Have you heard the buzz? Ne Zha 2 has exploded onto the scene, making waves and smashing records! It's already the highest-grossing animated film ever, beating even Inside Out 2 with a staggering box office haul of over $1.8 billion! And it's only just getting started, spreading its magic to audiences worldwide.
But before you dive headfirst into the sequel, you absolutely need to experience the origin story. Let's rewind to 2019 and the film that introduced us to this captivating character: Ne Zha. This initial offering was a massive hit in its own right, raking in over $700 million globally.
Ne Zha draws inspiration from the beloved Chinese mythological figure Nezha, loosely adapting the 16th-century novel Investiture of the Gods by Xu Zhonglin. The story centers around a young boy, Ne Zha, born from a heavenly pearl by the Primeval Lord of Heaven, Yuanshi Tianzun. Gifted (or cursed?) with extraordinary powers, Ne Zha is immediately branded an outcast, feared and loathed by those around him. Prophesied to bring destruction, he faces a daunting choice: embrace his dark destiny or forge his own path to heroism.
What sets Ne Zha apart is its refreshingly unconventional portrayal of its protagonist. This isn't your typical, squeaky-clean hero. Ne Zha starts out as a genuine demon child – complete with less-than-perfect teeth, a mischievous (okay, sometimes downright awful) demeanor, and a general air of unlikability. But as the narrative unfolds, you find yourself drawn to his struggles and empathizing with his difficult circumstances. He's destined for destruction, yet the unwavering love and support of his parents empower him to believe that he can control his own fate. This internal conflict, this battle against predestination, is what makes Ne Zha such a compelling character.
Adding another layer of complexity is Ao Bing, the Dragon King's son. Torn between his growing affection for Ne Zha and his duty to his father and his own kind, Ao Bing's internal struggle mirrors Ne Zha's own.
The plot and character development are beautifully nuanced, perfectly complemented by breathtaking, epic battle sequences that push the boundaries of 3D animation. Seriously, the visuals are stunning.
So, before you jump on the Ne Zha 2 bandwagon (and you definitely should!), make sure you experience the magic of the original Ne Zha. It's a must-see. I'll be back with my review of Ne Zha 2 when it hits Singapore in early March – you won't want to miss it!