Ne Zha 2; An Animated Beast from the East
Key Points Noteworthy of Your Time
- “Ne Zha 2” has risen to become the highest grossing animated film of all time, beating even your favorite childhood cartoons. Who needs Mickey Mouse when you have Ne Zha?
- This financial success was achieved even before the film was widely released in the West, alluding to Western audiences saying “Ne Zha who?”
- The undying curiosity surrounding the film paid off, leaving everyone in a Fortress of Solitude-like suspense.
- “Ne Zha 2” has become one of the biggest stories in 3D animation, outpacing Toy Story and its parade of sentient toys.
Hot Take
Look, I know we’ve all got a soft spot for Woody and Buzz, but this Ne Zha 2 is making some serious waves – or should I say, whirlwinds! This Eastern animated force is giving Pixar a run for their animating pencils, and honestly, it’s about time!
Who would have thought that an unfamiliar mythological figure from the East could outshine the familiar Western characters we’ve grown to love? I guess it’s time to say a tearful farewell to those glory days of Pixar’s monopoly. Just goes to show, never underestimate the underdog… or in this case, the underdragon?
It’s the East meets West Hollywood meets the Bank of China. Ne Zha’s saying, ‘Hold my animated beer while I spin this world around.’ The real suspense lies in seeing how far this animated beast will go. So, fasten your seatbelts and watch out for the whirlwind – Ne Zha 2’s got the animation world wrapped around its dragon finger, literally.
Ne Zha 2’s release has been one of the most exciting events in animation this year. This Chinese animated film has set the new record, becoming the world’s highest-grossing animated movie ever even before its broad release abroad. Being the first animated movie to exceed the $2 billion mark signifies that viewers keep flocking back to Ne Zha 2, a testament to its mesmerizing cinematic display.
© Trinity CineAsia
The opening act of Ne Zha 2 is brimming with unique, breathtaking visual renditions like sky-borne dragons navigating lava waterfalls that pour from the heavens onto the realm of Chentang Pass. The epic scale of its battle scenes surpasses even the likes of Lord of the Rings and Avengers: Endgame.
The first Ne Zha movie already showed potential, offering a glimpse into a world where the titular character, cursed with a demonic force since birth, learns to control his darker impulses and unite with his angelic counterpart, Ao Bing. Despite the rushed storyline and mediocre humor, it’s the electrifying action that truly set Ne Zha apart.
Ne Zha 2 stands boldly ahead in terms of improved quality, intriguing plotline, humor, and amplified action. It presents a unique depiction of magical martial arts, featuring both epic and grounded battles shot in riveting ways. The film leverages its CG franchise status to create a visually stunning and diverse universe.
The visual progress from the first installment of Ne Zha to its sequel is quite remarkable. With more detailed textures, skin, and imaginative environmental designs, Ne Zha 2 steps forward in the realm of CG animation.
© Trinity CineAsia
Despite its notable improvements, the sequel’s storytelling is still shaky at times due to its expanded narrative scope. It tackles issues of social class structures and prejudices in a fantasy realm but doesn’t give enough background or depth to make this commentary truly impactful.
Regardless of its flaws, Ne Zha 2 largely accomplishes what it sets out to do, offering action on an unprecedented scale. This film represents an exploration into animation’s untapped potentials, showcasing that this medium can deliver as much thrill and spectacle as any big Hollywood live-action title.
Ne Zha 2 will hit UK and Irish cinemas on 21st March 2025.
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/ne-zha-2-review/