Ne Zha 2 has become the world’s highest-grossing animated film, stirring national pride in China while its fans criticize detractors. The film’s success is prominently contrasted with the lack of appeal for Captain America: Brave New World, leading to nationalistic sentiments demanding the latter’s failure in the Chinese market. Ne Zha 2’s achievements underscore a shift in the Chinese cinematic landscape, amid debates regarding cultural identity and criticism.
Ne Zha 2, a Chinese animated film depicting a mythical boy who battles demons, has achieved the status of the world’s highest-grossing animated film, amassing 12.3 billion yuan ($1.7 billion; £1.4 billion). This remarkable success has ignited a surge of national pride among Chinese viewers, who are rallying behind the film while casting suspicion on its critics, labeling them as clout-chasing detractors.
As Ne Zha 2 captivates audiences, it finds itself in direct competition with Captain America: Brave New World. This has incited fervent nationalist sentiments among fans, as evidenced by the slogan, “I do not care if Ne Zha 2 can survive overseas, but Captain America 4 must die in China,” which has proliferated across social media platforms. Such attitudes reflect a broader discontent regarding American films’ performance in China, where Captain America has garnered only a fraction of its international earnings.
Critics assert that the lack of appeal for Captain America in China symbolizes a declining American influence, with sentiments expressed such as, “In reality, the US does not have superheroes and the US is not a peace-loving, peace-defending beacon for humanity.” Furthermore, some Chinese cinemas have opted to prioritize Ne Zha 2 by suspending screenings of Captain America, demonstrating a clear preference for local productions.
Ne Zha 2, which premiered on January 29 during the pivotal Lunar New Year holiday season, quickly surpassed the $1 billion mark in box office sales within two weeks, despite China’s economic challenges. The film has been celebrated as emblematic of advancements in Chinese animation and a sign of growing competitiveness against Hollywood productions, which traditionally dominate the Chinese market.
While Ne Zha 2 has seen overwhelming support domestically, it faces criticism for its limited screenings abroad, particularly in North America. Some fans express frustration over perceived biases in American cinemas that favor other films at the expense of this Chinese work. The film’s success is viewed as a litmus test of patriotism, with many individuals proudly repeating their multiple viewings.
The success of Ne Zha 2 highlights a significant moment for Chinese cinema, symbolizing rising nationalism and efforts to promote domestic films on a global stage. The controversy surrounding Captain America: Brave New World reveals a cultural clash and an underlying assertion of Chinese identity. This film’s box office triumph sheds light on the evolving entertainment landscape, raising questions about the interplay of nationalism and cultural production in cinema. Though celebrated, the film’s nationalistic fervor also raises concerns regarding criticism of artistic works and the cultural environment surrounding discourse about film in contemporary China.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
