The box office success of "Ne Zha 2" -- now the highest-grossing film of all time in China -- not only shatters records but also reshapes the global perception of Chinese cinema, some movie experts noted.
Data from online platforms show that the animated blockbuster's box office revenue, including pre-sales, has reached 7.809 billion yuan (about 1.07 billion U.S. dollars), overtaking "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" and becoming the first Asian production to break into the global box office top 40.
Following its box office surpassing that of "Despicable Me 3", an American comedy 3D animation released in 2017, "Ne Zha 2" has since become the first non-Hollywood film to enter the Top 10 of the global animation box office list.
Formally known as Ne Zha: Demon Child Conquers the Sea, the film is the sequel to the 2019 animated blockbuster "Ne Zha", drawing inspiration from the tale of a mythological figure of the same name from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) novel "Fengshen Yanyi", or "The Investiture of the Gods".
Starting Feb 13, the film is set to hit theaters in several countries, including Australia, the United States, and New Zealand, sparking anticipation worldwide.
"So, global attention has been drawn to Chinese cinema, with the world eager to see what the best film in China looks like. Such a massive brand effect will undoubtedly give a significant boost to its international distribution and promotion," said Zhang Jinfeng, deputy editor-in-chief of China Film News magazine.
Experts view Ne Zha 2's box office success as a historic milestone that not only stimulates the domestic market but also revitalizes confidence in the global film industry, pushing the redefinition of Chinese cinema.
"Firstly, this film has shown both domestic and global audiences that Chinese cinema holds limitless potential. Secondly, it has convinced both Chinese and international filmmakers that Chinese cinema has the power to lead the global film industry out of the pessimism alleging the death of the cinema," said Zhi Feina, a professor with the Chinese National Academy of Arts.
Zhang also emphasized the groundbreaking special effects, saying that they have delivered exceptional visual impact, allowing Chinese cinema to step onto the global stage with a fresh and powerful image.
"I believe the special effects of 'Ne Zha 2' are the result of the collective wisdom and support of the entire industry, which has enabled the film to bring its visual impact to the fullest. This has allowed Chinese cinema to present a fresh image and step onto the center stage of the global movie industry," he said.
"Ne Zha 2" continues to make history, redefines Chinese movie: experts
"Ne Zha 2" continues to make history, redefines Chinese movie: experts
The three astronauts of China's recently-returned Shenzhou-20 mission on Friday shared the experiences of their dramatic 204-day space mission, including detailing the emergency procedures which were implemented to bring them safely home after their return capsule was struck by space debris.
The trio -- Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie -- met with the press in Beijing on Friday afternoon, marking their first public appearance since returning to Earth in November.
When detailing the emergency response mechanisms which were enacted prior to their scheduled return, the astronauts explained that upon discovering a triangular crack on the spacecraft's viewport window, they immediately took photos for documentation and transmitted them to the ground team, who swiftly activated an emergency plan to get the trio home safely.
Experienced mission commander Chen Dong explained how the crew had complete faith in their colleagues on the ground to find a solution to these unforeseen circumstances which led to their return being delayed.
"First, we must trust the ground team, who would anticipate everything and develop the safest return plan for us. Second, we must believe in ourselves; as well-trained astronauts, we have the ability to manage various unexpected failures. I believe that with the collaboration of astronauts and researchers on the ground, our space home will surely go farther, more steadily, and for a longer time," he said.
Following their extended stay in space as a result of the debris incident, the Shenzhou-20 crew spent a total 204 days in orbit, setting a new record for the longest duration by a single group of Chinese astronauts.
During their mission, they completed multiple payload operations, conducted extensive scientific experiments, and carried out four extravehicular activities.
"Our crew worked together with the ground team in unity and coordination, completing four extravehicular activities, several payload entry and exit tasks, and a large number of scientific experiments. It was a fulfilling yet challenging mission. The path to exploring the heavens is long and arduous, but I firmly believe that China's space missions will succeed," said Chen Zhongrui, a former air force pilot who was making his first spaceflight during the mission.
"From the ground to space, from learning to application, I have deeply felt the solid progress of Chinese space endeavors and the quiet dedication of countless personnel behind the scenes. In the future, I will accomplish each mission with full commitment, living up to the trust of the motherland and the people," said fellow astronaut Wang Jie, who was also making his debut spaceflight.
After returning to Earth on Nov 14, the trio successfully completed their isolation recovery and rehabilitation and will now resume normal training following health assessments.
The crew's return, originally scheduled for Nov 5, was postponed due to safety concerns, with the astronauts later using the return capsule belonging to their successor crew of the Shenzhou-21 mission to get back to Earth. China later launched the unmanned Shenzhou-22 spacecraft which will serve the future return of the crew now aboard the Tiangong Space Station.
Shenzhou-20 astronauts share experiences after safely returning from debris incident
