Dark Horse in the Chinese New Year Film Market Sets Off Another Film Watching Boom
The Chinese New Year film market has seen a strong warm current! Since its release on the first day of the Lunar New Year, the box office of Ne Zha 2 (hereinafter referred to as ‘Ne Zha 2’) has soared all the way to the 10-billion mark at the time of writing, and is now the box office champion of the Chinese New Year period. This figure not only set a new record for Chinese animated films in the single-day box office, but is also expected to hit the 15 billion mark, becoming the new box office champion of domestic animated films.
Audiences flocked to cinemas just to catch a glimpse of Nezha the Magic Boy. From Beijing to Guangzhou, from Shanghai to Chengdu, cinemas were packed with people, and the queues for ticket purchases and inspections snaked around, with some netizens jokingly claiming that ‘the feeling of the Spring Festival has been found in the cinema’. Many cinema fans even stayed up late to queue up for prime tickets. Some parents said, ‘The kids are on holiday, and taking them to see Ne Zha 2 has become a New Year's must for the whole family.’
02 Deepening the Theme and Continuing the Legend of ‘My Fate Is My Fate’
Ne Zha 2 not only continues the success of its predecessor at the box office, but also makes a new breakthrough and sublimation in its theme. The film still revolves around the core concept of ‘My fate is up to me’, but on top of that, director Dumpling has brought more profound thoughts to the audience.The fates of Ne Zha and Ao Bi are intertwined once again, and the two men face even greater challenges together. In the process, Nezha no longer just resists his fate, but begins to think about how to take the initiative to shape his own life based on acceptance of himself. As Nezha says in the film, ‘So what if I am a devil? The point is what kind of devil I want to be!’This process of self-knowledge and self-modelling gives the theme of ‘My destiny is mine but not God's’ a richer connotation. It is no longer a simple rebellion, but a positive and courageous attitude towards life.
03 Parental Love Warms the Heart
Ne Zha 2 continues the fervour and passion of its predecessor, but also pays more attention to the portrayal of the element of affection. Li Jing and his wife's unconditional support and understanding of Nezha has become one of the most touching emotional threads of the film.
One scene made countless viewers weep: when Nezha was in danger, Li Jing stepped forward without hesitation and used his own body to shield his son from a fatal blow. The line, ‘You are my son, no matter what you become, we love you,’ speaks to the hearts of parents everywhere.
This deep and passionate affection not only warmed Nezha, but also touched the hearts of every viewer. A parent said, ‘After watching the film, I have a better understanding of the psychology of children during their rebellious period. In the future, I will be more tolerant and understanding of my children and give them more support and encouragement.’
04 Deepening the theme of growing pains and the difficult journey of self-identity
Ne Zha 2 cleverly combines Ne Zha's journey of growth with the psychological state of modern teenagers, triggering a wide range of resonance. In the film, Ne Zha is no longer simply a mischievous character, but is faced with more complex inner troubles and external pressures.
When Nezha learns that he has both the Magic Pill and the Spirit Pearl in his body, he falls into deep self-doubt.’ Who am I? Am I a devil or an immortal?’ Is this confusion not the same as the identity problem faced by every growing teenager?
Through Nezha's struggle with his inner ‘devil’, the film vividly shows how teenagers can live with their dark sides and impulses as they grow up. In the end, Nezha learns to accept his imperfections and finds his own path in life. Although this process is full of hardships, it is also full of hope and strength.
05 Upgraded Visual Effects, Domestic Animation Reaches New Heights
Ne Zha 2 has made great strides in terms of visual effects. From the majestic scenes of the Dragon Palace to the thrilling battle effects, every frame is a visual feast. In particular, the transformation scene of Ne Zha and Ao Bian after they merge together is a delight for the audience.
Some industry insiders commented, ‘The production standard of Ne Zha 2 is fully comparable to that of top international animation films. It not only inherits traditional Chinese cultural elements, but also incorporates modern aesthetics, making it another milestone in domestic animation.’
The success of Ne Zha's Magic Boys of the Sea is not only reflected in the box office figures, but also in the fact that it touches the softest part of the audience's heart. It interprets growth, affection, and self-identity from a unique perspective, allowing us to re-examine the meaning of life amidst laughter and tears.
As the film says, ‘Whether I'm a devil or a fairy, I'll decide for myself.