‘Ne Zha 2’ Review
Features the voices of: Lü Yanting, Han Mo, Chen Hao, Lü Qi, Wang Deshun | Written and Directed by Jiao Zi
For much of the western world, Ne Zha 2 only caught our attention with the news of how successful and record-breaking this animated film was. After grossing over $2 billion, it has become the fifth highest grossing film of all time (and the highest one not directed by James Cameron or the Russos), making it quite the phenomenon before it even reached western screens.
For anybody who likes to catch-up on a series before the new instalment, that will be difficult as 2019’s Ne Zha is currently unavailable on UK streaming services and did not have a physical media release over here. Luckily, the opening catches viewers up with the first film’s story, although the onslaught of exposition can make the introduction feel overwhelming.
Following on from the preceding film, the titular Ne Zha (Lü Yanting) and dragon prince Ao Bing (Han Mo) are left as spirits after their mortal bodies were destroyed. While awaiting the creation of their new bodies, the pair are forced to share a body to protect Ne Zha’s home, Chentang Pass, from an onslaught of monsters. This is just the first difficulty for the dual spirits.
Based on the 16th-century Chinese novel, Investiture of the Gods, writer/director Jiao Zi does an odd balancing act between tones. From early on, there are tired gags involving drinking urine, eating vomit, and a giant pig farting in a blind man’s face. Perhaps this is intended to appeal to the much younger audience members, yet these juvenile moments felt at odds with the directions that the film eventually takes.
Yet, as the story went on, the characters and raising stakes ensured that this film grew on this reviewer. Considering Ne Zha is a powerful demon within the body of a mischievous young boy, it is entertaining to see the hijinks that he gets into along with the growth that he undergoes as the runtime moves along. There is fun to be had in the push-and-pull that the titular character has with the elegant Ao Bing, as the contrasting personalities struggle for control while sharing the same body.
The story operates on an impressive sense of scale that the spectacle marvellously reflects, showing what sets apart this fantasy work from other animated fare. Whether it is a fight on-top of bamboo above water, Ne Zha charging into battle a living mountain, or the grand finale that brings everything together, this offers exceptional spectacle that is magnificently realised through the animation, and makes for a rousing watch on the big-screen.
As the story moves along, it reveals itself to be a work about rallying against the demonisation of those different to you, and the need to challenge authority in the name of what is right. Considering what is happening in America right now, it is remarkable how this Chinese animated film feels more relevant than Captain America: Brave New World and its milquetoast attempts at not rocking the boat. As a result, Ne Zha 2 is an impressive time well spent, and I am ready for the inevitable arrival of Ne Zha 3.
**** 4/5
Ne Zha 2 is on limited release in the UK now.
