The sequel to the animated fantasy film “Ne Zha” was officially released in the U.S. on Feb. 14, with the movie’s entrance into the world of animated films grander than its prequel’s already fiery flair. Since the release of “Ne Zha” in 2019, fans and critics alike have been dying for more after animation director Yu “Jiaozi” Yang set an impressive precedent with his high-quality graphic designs and plot narration, raising the bar for Chinese animated films. After five long years of strenuous filming, animating and digital editing, the animator smashed his previous records with the sequel “Ne Zha 2.” Through reviews, box office grossing and general consensus among the audience, it’s clear that the film quickly made its way into its audience’s hearts, earning its place as a rare movie sequel capable of outshining the original.
“Ne Zha” introduces Ne Zha as the accidental reincarnation of a demonic spirit fated to die the day he turns 3 years old. After fighting his only friend, Ao Bing, who is revealed to be the son of the Dragon King and reincarnation of his fated enemy, Ne Zha fights against his destiny and ultimately saves both their souls, despite their bodies being destroyed in the process. “Ne Zha 2” starts right where the previous film left off, where the duo is quickly presented with the task of rebuilding their bodies — they must triumph over immortal Wuliang’s trials to obtain an elixir that will revitalize the sacred lotus, the physical building blocks for their mortal forms, or face the consequences of a perilous assault from the Dragon King should Ne Zha fail to save himself and the Dragon King’s son.
“Ne Zha 2” is enhanced with its stunning attention to detail, whether that be a close-up of a wicked grin spreading across the villain’s seemingly innocent face or a pan across glowing magma spewing from an abyssal crack in the sky, immersing the audience in the story. The design is also impeccable, as each character is animated with subtle, soft hues, which strikes the film with a sense of realism. Ne Zha, with his dark, sunken eyes and hunched posture, strikes the audience with a gross charm that makes him oddly adorable.
The film also has many instances of crude humor — in one scene, the village’s blind headmaster gives a heartfelt speech to Ne Zha, only for the audience to realize that he was talking not to Ne Zha, but a pig’s butt, quickly followed by a fart to his face. The humor is strategically scattered throughout the film so that it doesn’t feel like the characters are cracking jokes for the sake of cracking jokes. Instead, the humor feels organic, as if it’s coming from the characters themselves instead of a cheesy insert forced by the writers.
Despite having lighthearted moments, many scenes have a sense of gut-wrenching sadness, enriching the already heartfelt film. Toward the film’s end, a heartbreaking moment leaves the audience emotional as a crucial character spends their last moments tightly hugging Ne Zha. The animators utilize a push-in method with the camera that zooms in on the death of this crucial character, tugging at the viewer’s heartstrings.
Yang also masterfully infuses his film with some traditional beliefs with an emphasis on family, as much of Chinese culture is centered around filial piety — a Confuscian virtue of exhibiting love for one’s parents or elders. The characters, deities and beings are consistent with the original myth, giving those who’ve heard of the original tale a grounding reference.
However, that’s where the original story and film diverge, as the overarching theme of the film is being able to choose your fate, a message that opposes traditional Chinese teachings that emphasize obedience in the younger generation. Despite the repetitive idea of “controlling your fate” being brought up multiple times throughout the film, it is clear that Yang wants to drive home the message, emphasizing the importance of individuality and freedom.
“Ne Zha 2,” rather than building on the concrete conflict between good and evil in “Ne Zha,” blurs the line between the two, as the previously established rules between evil demons and kind deities are completely dropped in the sequel. As the audience is drawn deeper into the gray area between good and evil, many scenes begin to feel very morally ambiguous, helping reinforce the film’s main theme, that even if you are, like in Ne Zha’s case, quite literally a monster, it is still up to you to decide whether you want to be good or evil. The film also emphasizes a collectivist ideal seen in both ancient and modern Chinese society. In the final fight scene, Ne Zha and Ao Bing are only able to free everyone with the help of all the demons and monsters who are trapped with them. This highlights the fact that all are equal, no matter their physical characteristics or race — a deep message for a lighthearted, animated film.
Overall, “Ne Zha 2” is an incredible sequel that isn’t just on par with its predecessor but better in nearly every aspect. With breathtaking art, a well-written story and a perfect mix of humor and emotional depth, this animated film deserves to be one of the 12 Golden Immortals and is a must-watch for children and adults alike.
RATING: 5/5
