With a whirl of fiery special effects, stunning animation and a heart-wrenching storyline, “Nezha 2,” the highly anticipated sequel of the 2019 animated film “Nezha,” has taken the world by storm. Grossing over 2.1 billion dollars worldwide, it is now the highest-grossing animated film of all time and the fifth highest-grossing film overall. Among the films on these lists, “Nezha 2” stands out as the sole Chinese title, establishing itself as a symbol of Chinese pride and proving that domestic Chinese films can also stand alongside Hollywood blockbusters. Directed by Jiao Zi (the stage name for Yu Yang), both Nezha films were based on the 16th century novel, “Investiture of the Gods” (封神演义), an epic saga featuring demons, spirits and deities from Chinese mythology.
At its core, the “Nezha” series is a family-friendly animated fantasy following the story of the eponymous character, Nezha, and his counterpart, Ao Bing. In the original legend, the two are enemies. However, the movie subverts expectations as the two, without knowing each other’s identity, become friends. Born from two halves of a Chaos Pearl — Nezha from the “evil” demon orb and Ao Bing from the “good” spirit pearl — Nezha struggles between his desire to do good and everyone’s perception of him as a demon, while Ao Bing is pressured to turn to evil in order to save his family. Although its light-hearted jokes and playful animation style appeal to children, the film interests mature audiences as well through its exploration of deeper themes such as familial bonds and the relationship between good and evil, fate and free will.
On a technical level, “Nezha 2” was spectacular. The movie, much like its prequel, took five years to fully put together with a team of ten from 138 different animation companies. The first movie was set mostly in Nezha’s hometown, Chentang Pass, whereas “Nezha 2” expands vastly beyond that. It explores the many immersive landscapes of Chinese mythology, soaring up to the heavenly home of the immortals, the Jade Court, as well as diving deep into the underwater ruins of the Dragon Kingdom. The film’s most striking visual moments lie in its exhilarating fight sequences, where each character’s unique abilities and combat styles bring Chinese mythology to life.
Thematically, “Nezha 2” deepens the philosophical motifs introduced in the first film. While “Nezha” explored good and evil, its sequel takes the discussion further, examining corruption and power. The Jade Court, seemingly dedicated to order and virtue, is filled with systemic inequalities and corruption. “Nezha 2” explores this setting in ways that not only challenge simplistic notions of good and evil, but criticize them as dangerous. This perspective adds complexity to once one-dimensional antagonists, making for a richer and more thought-provoking story.
For people who were raised learning about Chinese myths and legends, “Nezha 2” could evoke feelings of nostalgia. However, to audiences outside of China who are unfamiliar with Chinese myths, “Nezha 2” can initially come off as overwhelming. There are large amounts of information dumped onto the viewer, and not all of it is explained in detail. This is especially apparent when it comes to the characters. For example, there is a flurry of new deities, each with their own social standings, motivations, and backstories, that only audiences versed in Chinese culture may be familiar with.
Ultimately, “Nezha 2” is an excellent movie, blending breathtaking visuals, high action, and detailed storytelling. Beyond the screen, “Nezha 2” shows that Chinese productions can compete on the world stage without compromising their cultural identity. It shares China’s rich mythological heritage with international audiences while garnering national pride. Whether as a representation of stellar animation or a meaningful tale of destiny and defiance, “Nezha 2” is an unforgettable cinematic experience.
