Animated film Ne Zha 2 is 'China's answer to Hollywood' hegemony

The success of the Chinese animated film "Ne Zha 2" has garnered enthusiastic praise from Chinese moviegoers, with many hailing it as "China's weapon against Hollywood's superhero hegemony." On Weibo, China's social media platform, the most-liked comment reads: "Hollywood has spent a century exporting superheroes; now, we have our own Ne Zha." This sentiment reflects a growing sense of cultural pride and the desire for homegrown heroes.

According to data from the ticketing platform Maoyan, "Ne Zha 2" experienced a surge in box office revenue after its release, ultimately surpassing Pixar's "Inside Out 2" with a total gross of 12.3 billion yuan (approximately $2.66 billion), becoming the highest-grossing animated film globally. Notably, unlike Hollywood films that typically rely on global distribution strategies, over 99% of "Ne Zha 2's" box office revenue came from mainland China, highlighting its domestic appeal.

The film attracted a large audience after its release during the Lunar New Year holiday. Some companies even organized group viewings for their employees to express patriotic enthusiasm. Directed by Yang Yu (also known as "Jiaozi"), who also directed the first "Ne Zha" in 2019, "Ne Zha 2" continues the story of its predecessor, depicting the mythological figure Ne Zha's struggle against his own demonic lineage while striving to protect those he loves.

On Chinese social media, netizens have hailed the film as a "historic moment of cultural confidence." Videos tagged with phrases like "the rise of Chinese animation" have garnered 10 billion views on the Chinese version of TikTok. In Australia, the film's limited screenings have also attracted many loyal fans eager to see a blockbuster that blends Chinese mythology with cutting-edge animation production. Sheng Ruonan, an anime enthusiast in Melbourne, stated, "Whether it's the depiction of mythical creatures, dragons, and deities, or the exquisite costumes and landscapes, it's full of classical Chinese aesthetics. This artistic approach enhances cultural confidence and identity."

Despite the overwhelming online praise, Ms. Sheng also raised concerns about certain aspects of the film. The 28-year-old moviegoer stated that she disliked the film's "didactic" and "patriarchal tone." She argued, "It constantly tries to convey grand and vague principles in a comedy aimed at all ages." Similar comments have gained traction on social media. Another criticism was a brief shot in the trailer where a female character's skirt is stepped on. Fans complained about this "male-gaze humor," arguing that the focus should be on the character's strength.

Wu Guokun, Associate Professor at the Academy of Film and Television at Hong Kong Baptist University, stated that the use of 5G and new visual technologies has significantly improved the quality of animation. He added, "The film's promotion in the Chinese cultural market and on social media also played a crucial role in its success." Chen Xingyu, a 25-year-old audience member from Jiangsu Province, China, has watched the film twice. She said, "I think the film's marketing was very well done because I kept seeing related social media content. I don't usually like watching animated films, but this time I was really attracted to the film's intellectual property because it's a Chinese work and feels very passionate."

Ms. Chen also purchased "Ne Zha 2" collectible toys, which sold out within two weeks of the film's release in China. The film's production company is also collaborating with Tencent, China's largest internet gaming company, to develop a "Ne Zha 2" game. Chen Zhiteng, Assistant Professor of Cultural Studies at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, stated that "Ne Zha 2's" impact will extend beyond the screen as it spreads "the uniqueness of Chinese culture" to the world.

In the 1950s and 1960s, animation in China developed into an educational and propaganda tool, with iconic works such as "Havoc in Heaven" (1965) becoming cultural classics. After economic reforms in the 1980s, Chinese animation began to combine modern technology with traditional narratives. According to statistics from the China Audio-Visual and Digital Publishing Association, by 2022, the Chinese animation industry had over 6,800 companies nationwide and supported a workforce of approximately 340,000 people.

Mr. Chen stated that while this film is very prominent, other Chinese animated films, such as "Mr. Miao" and "Art College 1994," which are also based on Chinese mythology, have also received international acclaim. He said, "Liu Jian's 'Art College 1994' was a surprising highlight, being shortlisted for the main competition at the Berlin Film Festival." Films like "Big Fish & Begonia" (2016) and the first "Ne Zha" (2019) also highlight China's growing influence on the global animation stage.