Transformed Journey of a Youthful Demon Seeking Sense of Self in Animated Film "Ne Zha 2"
REWRITTEN ARTICLE
LFI: NE ZHA 2 LEAPS TO THE TOP, BECOMING THE GLOBE'S #1 ANIME
French theaters will soon screen Ne Zha 2, a highly anticipated follow-up to the 2019 film of the same name. Already causing a stir with impressive success in China, the sequel has amassed over $2 billion (€1.76 billion), making it the highest-grossing animated film ever and the fifth most-watched movie of all time at the box office.
Its popularity can be seen in the film itself, which is reminiscent of a big-budget Chinese blockbuster. Ne Zha 2's epic scale, brimming with fables, a various cast of characters, spiritual exploration, and dramatic combat remains more one-on-one with productions like Tsui Hark's Legends of the Condor Heroes or Wuershan's Creation of the Gods 2. Demon Force, rather than lighter fare such as Kung Fu Panda. Despite this, the film still offers a smattering of slapstick humor and entertaining dialogue for young audiences to enjoy.
What sets Ne Zha 2 apart?
- Mythical ties: Based on China’s ancient literature - the 16th-century novel Fengshen Yanyi, Ne Zha 2 retraces Ne Zha’s journey from demon to hero, challenging the powers-that-be in a bid to correct celestial wrongs. The story resonates with viewers by tapping into universal themes like destiny, rebellion, and national pride.
- True craftsmanship: Over 4,000 talented animators collaborated to craft the visually stunning scenes that rival those of Hollywood studios[1][3].
- Box office triumph: Grossing $2.1 billion[1][3], Ne Zha 2 outperformed films like Inside Out 2 and other previous records. Its $18.8 million earnings in North America signify a growing audience in the West[1][3].
- Festival and marketing influence: Events like the Beijing International Film Festival’s poster exhibition boosted the film’s cultural prestige[2].
Ne Zha 2 compared to other Chinese Blockbusters
- Genre champions: Unlike live-action hits like The Wandering Earth or Wolf Warrior 2, Ne Zha 2 has pioneered animation as a dominant genre in China, previously a niche market[3].
- Box office vs. cultural clout: While Wolf Warrior 2 remains China's top-grossing live-action film with $870 million, Ne Zha 2's global earnings combined domestic success and international appeal[3].
- International focus: Different from most Chinese films, which prioritize the domestic market, Ne Zha 2 teamed up with Warner Bros. and Encore Films for releases with subtitles in India and Southeast Asia[1], indicating a deliberate push for international audiences.
In a nutshell, the blend of Chinese mythology, spectacular animation, and strategic distribution has propelled Ne Zha 2 into the elite ranks of global animation, overshadowing both Western competitors and Chinese live-action peers.
In 2022, several movies-and-tv productions in the entertainment industry are anticipated with excitement, and one of them is the highly-awaited sequel to the globally successful animated film, "Ne Zha". The Avengers of animation, the team responsible for producing "Ne Zha 2", are expected to bring half of the movies-and-tv entertainment this year with this film. Thanks to its continued success in China, where it has already grossed over $2 billion, "Ne Zha 2" has broken numerous box office records, becoming the highest-grossing animated movie ever and the fifth most-watched film of all time at the box office. This sequel of Ne Zha, based on China's 16th-century novel "Fengshen Yanyi," flawlessly combines mythical ties, true craftsmanship, and international marketing efforts, setting it apart from other Chinese blockbusters.









































