“Ne Zha 2,” directed by Yang Yu, is an animated film reflecting Chinese mythology, which follows a demon child on a quest to restore his friend’s wellbeing. Since its release, it has garnered immense box office success, becoming the highest-grossing film in Chinese history and surpassing global animated films. While resonating with contemporary societal issues, the film also raises questions about its international reception due to cultural specificity.
In recent years, the landscape of the Chinese box office has transformed dramatically. While previous years highlighted military and heroic figures, the animated film “Ne Zha 2,” directed by Yang Yu, has captured attention in 2025. This film, rooted in Chinese mythology, presents the tale of Ne Zha, a demon child on a mission to find an elixir to restore his friend, the dragon prince Ao Bing, whose body has been devastated by a lightning strike.
“Ne Zha 2” features breathtaking graphics and intense battle sequences that have drawn millions of viewers. Since its debut during the lunar new year festivities from late January to mid-February, it has grossed 14.7 billion yuan (£1.6 billion), establishing itself as the highest-grossing film in the history of Chinese cinema. Furthermore, it has outperformed global animated films, eclipsing Pixar’s “Inside Out 2.”
This animated saga signifies a departure from the patriotic themes prevalent in Chinese films, with “The Battle at Lake Changjin” being supplanted as the top film. Critics like Yu Yaqin note that while traditional patriotic narratives remain significant, “Ne Zha 2” offers universal themes that resonate with contemporary audiences. Rising dissatisfaction in Chinese society, heightened by economic strains and unemployment, aligns with Ne Zha’s battle against injustice and authority, mirroring the sentiments of many viewers.
In particular, Ne Zha’s declaration, “My fate is controlled by myself, not by God,” echoes the current struggles faced by numerous individuals in China. Simultaneously, the film contains potential nationalist undertones, with observations linking aspects of its plot to anti-American sentiments, exemplified in Ne Zha’s interaction with the character Shen Gongbao, reminiscent of the White House.
The timing of the film’s release over the lunar new year holiday contributed greatly to its success, as families seize this opportunity to visit cinemas once a year. Following the breakthrough of word-of-mouth promotion, local authorities and businesses leveraged the film’s popularity, associating it with the notion of “guoyun,” denoting national destiny.
Afra Wang, writing for the ChinaTalk newsletter, articulates how this narrative reassures many in China, situating contemporary difficulties within an overarching, triumphant storyline. The film’s momentum has also been embraced by commerce, with notable mentions from commerce minister Wang Wentao at political meetings, highlighting its role in revitalizing consumer engagement.
Despite its domestic triumph, the film’s international reception remains uncertain. Its storyline heavily references Chinese mythology and familiarity with the previous “Ne Zha” film, released in 2019. Taiwan, sharing cultural connections, could be a viable market; however, restrictions on the number of Chinese films allowed annually pose significant challenges for release there, with “Ne Zha 2” not being listed for 2025.
The film is scheduled for a complete release in the UK on March 21. Nonetheless, even if global audiences do not embrace it fully, many in China assert that the film’s triumph underscores their cultural and national progress, independent of Western validation.
“Ne Zha 2” has redefined the modern Chinese box office landscape, emerging as the highest-grossing film in Chinese cinema history and breaking global animation records. It encapsulates resonant themes of personal agency, while simultaneously addressing broader societal sentiments amid economic challenges. Though its domestic impact is significant, its international performance remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the film’s success is perceived as a celebration of China’s cultural identity and progress.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
