Ne Zha 2: A Chinese Animation That Conquered the World and Surpassed Inside Out 2

Ne Zha 2 (Doc. Ist)

Secondupdate.com – The film Ne Zha 2 once again brings to life the legendary Chinese mythological figure, this time with a more thrilling story and even more stunning visuals.

Not only has it captivated audiences domestically, but the film has also achieved massive success on the international stage, even surpassing Inside Out 2 at the global box office with a staggering revenue of $1.72 billion or approximately 28 trillion IDR.

This success proves that China’s animation industry is growing rapidly and can compete with Hollywood productions.

In Chinese mythology, Ne Zha is known as a brave yet mischievous figure with a kind heart. His story dates back to the Shang Dynasty, around 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. According to legend, Ne Zha was born from a flesh ball after his mother carried him for three years and six months.

At first, his father believed the child was a demon and tried to kill him. However, Ne Zha turned out to be an extraordinary child who could walk and talk immediately after birth. A Taoist deity later took him as a disciple and granted him a magical weapon called the Cosmic Wheel.

In the sequel, Ne Zha faces new challenges alongside Ao Bing, the son of the Dragon King. After losing their mortal bodies, the two embark on a quest to reclaim them so they can live in the human world.

However, their journey is fraught with obstacles, including formidable enemies and inner conflicts that test their friendship. Taizi Zhenren tries to assist them with a seven-colored lotus, but Shen Gongbao releases the four dragon kings who have long been imprisoned in the deep sea.

Among them is Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea, who threatens to destroy Ne Zha’s hometown, Chentangguan. To protect the people he loves, Ne Zha must fight with all his might, even if it means sacrificing everything.

The success of Ne Zha 2 is attributed to various factors that make it so beloved. Its story, centered around themes of friendship and perseverance, resonates deeply with audiences of all ages.

The film’s breathtaking visuals also add to its appeal, making every scene feel incredibly vibrant and emotionally charged.

Additionally, the strong presence of Chinese culture and mythology makes this film a national pride, receiving overwhelming support from local audiences.

Its release coincided with the Chinese New Year holiday, a strategic move that made it a popular choice for family viewing.

Behind this remarkable success is Yang Yu, better known as Jiaozi, the director who also worked on the first Ne Zha film. Interestingly, Jiaozi has no formal background in animation. He is a self-taught animator who learned animation software after studying pharmacy in college.

His journey to success was not easy. He spent nearly four years honing his skills before achieving a major breakthrough with Ne Zha (2019).

In fact, in 2009, his first animated short film, See Through, won over 30 international awards, including recognition at the Berlin Film Festival.

Thanks to his perseverance, Ne Zha became the highest-grossing animated film in China, and now Ne Zha 2 has surpassed that achievement.

Many fans are wondering whether there will be a Ne Zha 3 to continue the story. So far, there has been no official announcement regarding the next sequel.

However, the director has emphasized that they prioritize quality storytelling and animation over rushing into a sequel.

With the immense success achieved, the anticipation for Ne Zha’s next adventure remains high.

For animation enthusiasts who enjoy action-packed stories filled with emotion and rich mythology, Ne Zha 2 is a must-watch film.