[Video] Ne Zha 2: A distinctively Chinese film with global appeal
Made entirely in China yet captivating audiences worldwide, Ne Zha 2 masterfully balances global appeal with cultural authenticity. What makes it a global sensation? ThinkChina’s Yi Jina finds out.
Recently opening in Singapore cinemas, Ne Zha 2 tackles universal themes of identity, destiny and rebellion that resonate deeply with global audiences. At the heart of the story is Ne Zha, a defiant figure who challenges the fate thrust upon him in a struggle that mirrors the universally relatable human experience of self-discovery, resistance to societal expectations and personal growth. As Adam Leipzig, a US film producer and CEO of Entertainment Media Partners, explains, “The way the story is told deeply relies on emotion and the emotions it evokes are pretty universal.”
Visually, Ne Zha 2 offers a striking experience, blending dynamic animation with the aesthetic of traditional Chinese art. From the nuanced performances that echo the acting style of Peking opera and classic Chinese drama to the intricate adaptation of Chinese artistic concepts such as “the interplay between illusion and reality” and “resemblance in spirit, not in form”, the film delivers a rare visual feast that global audiences rarely see.
In this way, Ne Zha 2 reimagines familiar themes through the lens of Chinese mythology, creating a narrative that is both uniquely Chinese and universal. It demonstrates that with sincerity and great storytelling, even culturally distinct films can break down barriers and resonate on a global scale.
But does Ne Zha 2 live up to the hype? The answer is a resounding yes. Audiences worldwide have praised its exciting animation, intricate storyline, emotional depth, well-developed characters and more, recognising it as a significant step up from the previous film. Many viewers have even watched it two or three times.
With its status as the sixth highest-grossing film of all time, the highest-grossing animated film in history, and the first non-Hollywood film to surpass US$2 billion in global box office earnings, Ne Zha 2 continues to break records, and these figures will only keep growing. Crafted over five years by 138 Chinese companies, the film marks a pivotal turning point for Chinese animated cinema.
