The Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" received high praise from foreign audiences as it hit theaters in North America and Australia.
"Ne Zha 2" has become the first Chinese film to surpass 10 billion yuan (about 1.37 billion U.S. dollars) in total global earnings, including presales, crossing the benchmark on Thursday, according to data from the ticketing platform Maoyan.
It was screened in advance on Wednesday at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood, Los Angeles. As soon as tickets went on sale, they sold out immediately. Theater staff said this reflects the great enthusiasm of local movie fans.
"It's so amazing to see Chinese culture and mythology being showcased in such amazing animated films. China coming out with these blockbuster films and everything, and Americans embracing it - that makes us closer as a world. It unites the world together, and it makes us appreciate each other even more," said Lacey Noel, a staff member at the theater.
At least eight IMAX theaters in Los Angeles screened "Ne Zha 2" simultaneously, and audiences described the film's story as fascinating.
"The animations were wonderful and it made me cry both laughing. I'm really interested in Chinese mythology after watching that film. I thought it just was great how it brought the mythology to life even in like a cartoonish way," said a moviegoer.
Canadian cinema giant Cineplex screened "Ne Zha 2" on Thursday, and the movie's stunning special effects left a deep impression on the audience.
"I think in terms of visual effects, its 3D animation, digital scenery, and 3D modeling of many characters have reached world-class levels," said a moviegoer working in the animation stunt industry.
"Ne Zha 2" attracted a large turnout of young viewers, who thoroughly enjoyed the two-hour long fantasy comedy.
"I dressed up as Ne Zha because I knew this movie would be really good. After watching Ne Zha 1, I laughed so much," said one young moviegoer.
"Ne Zha 2" was officially released in Australia on Thursday. Many viewers gave it a perfect score and even began looking forward to the next installment in the series.
"The special effects and the way the film was created - the storytelling was just really, impeccably well done," said a moviegoer in Sydney.
Chinese animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 wins high praise as it hits theaters in North America, Australia
Chinese animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 wins high praise as it hits theaters in North America, Australia
Chinese animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 wins high praise as it hits theaters in North America, Australia
