Ne Zha 2 triumph of soft power

The sequel to the blockbuster Chinese animation film, Ne Zha, was released on Chinese New Year's day, that is, Jan 29. It seems the general audience can't get enough of Ne Zha: Demon Child Conquers the Sea (Ne Zha 2), as many of them have returned to the theater a second, and even a third time. Its total box office has reached 6.3 billion yuan ($864 million), setting a new record in Chinese film history; it has now surpassed Avengers: Endgame's collection to become the second highest-grossing movie in a single market worldwide.

Like many other Chinese movies, Ne Zha 2 is also based on a Chinese mythological figure — protective deity Ne Zha. The film's script is based on a popular 17th century Chinese novel Fengshen Yanyi, or The Investiture of the Gods, which is one of the first major literary works to feature deities and demons in Taoism and Buddhism.

How come films based on Chinese mythology have become massive hits at the box office?

Ne Zha 2 symbolizes rebellion. The image of Ne Zha has been modified from the traditional tragic hero to a modern rebel who "changes his destiny against God's will", which is in line with the spiritual aspirations of today's youths and their determination to fight against labeling and to pursue their goals. This kind of modification breaks the character's "sacredness" myth, enabling it to resonate with the audience.

The film is a fusion of cultural symbols. It combines punk style, modern colloquialism, memes and other cultural elements such as the "Sichuan-style Mandarin" accent of Taiyi Zhenren who is the tutor of Ne Zha. This practice grafts traditional cultural symbols with popular culture, making the film appealing to the audience. At the same time, it fosters a unique cultural identity.

Ne Zha 2 is a great innovation in visual aesthetics. The movie drives GenNext internet of things with 5G and smart technology, marked by fascinatingly innovative art direction, especially the misty landscape, which enhances the experience of going to the theater.

That Ne Zha has been created with utmost care is evident from the fact that the character on the screen retains its oriental aesthetic mood. Indeed, Ne Zha could become a new cultural brand of China. The movie, its protagonist in particular, empathizes with the "marginalized". Ne Zha's experience of being discriminated against is a metaphor for the rejection of "outliers" by contemporary society, instilling in people the determination to "end prejudice".

The film also illustrates changing family ethics. By transforming Ne Zha's parents, from traditional, strict parents to loving father and mother who "go against God's will to protect their son", the filmmaker reconstructs Chinese family relationships, echoing the younger generation's pursuit of "family roots" and building a cross-generational emotional connection.

The film demonstrates the technological prowess of Chinese animators, reflecting Chinese filmmakers' cultural confidence. Furthermore, the production team has increased the character count threefold from the prequel, a feat that seems to have impressed audiences.

The number of special effects shots alone in Ne Zha 2 surpasses the total number of shots in Ne Zha, giving audiences a visually spectacular experience. This reflects a commitment to creating a more immersive and awe-inspiring cinematic journey.

The individual and the collective have reconciled in the film. Ne Zha transforms from a rebellious individual to one carrying great responsibilities on his shoulders, vowing to "save Chentangguan Pass". But the spirit of individualism is not totally lost, as Ne Zha embodies the traditional chivalrous spirit, drawing more and more people to the cinema.

The movie is a game between fatalism and free will. Ne Zha's assertion "I am the master of my own fate", which combines the Taoist notion of "changing one's own destiny against God's will" with the rigors of life, reflects the philosophy of existentialism. The film also injects modern vitality into traditional culture.

Ne Zha 2 has once again showcased the brilliance of Chinese state-of-the-art animation, compelling cultural storytelling and national confidence. And it has raised hopes that Chinese animation movies will become increasingly popular in the future both at home and abroad.

 The author is a research fellow at the Office of Academic Research, Xiamen University of Technology. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.