The Chinese animated film "Ne Zha 2" is experiencing global box office success, transcending its domestic popularity in China to achieve international acclaim.
After shattering records in China by becoming the first non-Hollywood film to dominate the country's box office with a staggering 10 billion yuan (approximately 1.37 billion U.S. dollars) in ticket sales, "Ne Zha 2" made its highly anticipated U.S. debut, including a prominent release in Hollywood, where it has left a lasting impression on audiences.
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".
The sequel showcases the pinnacle of Chinese animation production, featuring over 1,900 special effects shots and 10,000 special effect elements. From large-scale battle scenes to intricate depictions of oriental aesthetics, the movie offers an immersive cinematic experience, highlighting the technological prowess of Chinese animators.
"Ne Zha 2 is the highest grossing animated film in China right now, and it's quickly spreading throughout the world, as you know, this wonderful interpretation of an old Chinese novel called 'The Investiture of the Gods'. And I think that this is a wonderful window for various people to be interested in Chinese culture, tradition, as well as mythology. And so, with how successful it's been already, hopefully this will be a gateway for other Chinese films to gain more success, not only in the States, but around the world as well," said Lacey Noel Podwats, guide of the TCL Chinese Theater in Los Angeles.
It has made history as the first Chinese or Asian film to break into the top 20 highest-grossing films of all time worldwide, and theater executives have expressed their satisfaction with the film's reception to China Global Television Network (CGTN), citing the significant attention it has garnered so far.
"So, we are very excited about it. As soon as we put it on sale, it was an immediate great reaction where those tickets started selling fast. So, it's been a great experience for us," said Brett Fellman, President of Film and Marketing at TCL Chinese Theater.
The film was officially released on Friday with screenings held in at least 24 cities across the United States. And in Los Angeles alone, at least 8 IMAX theaters are showing the film, with many sessions already sold out.
According to film critics, the movie's narrative, which follows a young hero who joins forces with a dragon prince to battle monstrous forces, has proven to be a universal hit, effectively appealing to audiences across all age groups and demographics.
"It's huge, whether it's the personality, the story line, the color, the background, because it has a lot of Chinese brush painting, the whole entire thing, it just takes you to a different level," said Eilen Chen, a film enthusiast.
Moreover, the film provides a unique chance for Chinese Americans to reconnect with their cultural heritage, allowing them to share and experience a part of their ancestral roots through the movie's rich storytelling and traditional Chinese elements.
"With my family, we'd always watch this movie for movie nights and I guess it's just like learning a part of myself, since I'm Asian myself and like since I was born here in America, I guess like I don't know as much, ancient stories, and like the first movie really made me learn about China and a part of who I am and I wish this movie does the same and like the humor in it is just like very funny," said Dara Shao, a student.
Chinese animated film 'Ne Zha 2' becomes global box office sensation
Chinese animated film 'Ne Zha 2' becomes global box office sensation
Chinese animated film 'Ne Zha 2' becomes global box office sensation
