Special effects expertise elevates 'Ne Zha 2' cinematic brilliance

"Ne Zha 2", a cinematic marvel that dazzled audiences with its captivating storyline and stunning visual effects, has thrived on the technical prowess and assistance provided by 138 domestic teams.

Taking five years to refine, the film was released during the Chinese New Year on Jan. 29 and has shattered multiple box office records.

One of the key players in the creation of "Ne Zha 2" was an animation production company based in Nanjing City, east China's Jiangsu Province.

The company was responsible for the design and production of many of the iconic characters and memorable scenes featured in the film. Through meticulous modeling and intricate special effects, the team dedicated nearly a year to perfecting a four-minute showstopping battle sequence in the film.

"At present, we are in the midst of producing two major animated films, both undergoing intense development. In the past, it took a significant amount of time to gradually integrate individual elements into a cohesive scene. Now, with the advent of new technologies, we can open a scene in less than a minute," said Wu Chunhui, visual effects director of the company.

Animator Di Zixin, whose contributions were integral to "Ne Zha 2", emphasized the importance of acting skills in animation. By recording her movements and aligning them with the character's personality and storyline, she brought authenticity and depth to the characters.

Several companies in Shenzhen City of south China's Guangdong Province also participated in the production of "Ne Zha 2".

A film company located in Nanshan District was responsible for one of the stunning waterfall effects. The effect involved large-scale water calculations, so the team developed an automated program for the waterfall production process. Through the joint effort and continuous iteration from team members, they successfully created a more realistic and visually appealing waterfall.

Another company located in Longgang District participated in the production of both "Ne Zha" films, completing many high-difficulty special effects shots.

"This special effect was a carpet bombing-style effect, and we spent a lot of time and cycles working on it. We collaborated with the director and producers for a long time. From beginning to end, it took at least three months to create this single effect," said Li Shusong, visual effects director of Shenzhen Rock Visual Effects Tech. Co., Ltd.

"Ne Zha 2" has surpassed "Jurassic World" to claim a spot among the nine highest-grossing films of all times, with global earnings, including pre-sales, exceeding 12.12 billion yuan (about 1.67 billion U.S. dollars), according to data from a ticketing platform as of Monday afternoon.

Special effects expertise elevates 'Ne Zha 2' cinematic brilliance

Nicaragua's co-foreign minister Valdrack Jaentschke has warned that militarism must never be allowed to rise again, as Japan's recent moves to lift its arms export ban and revise the pacifist Constitution continue to draw international concern.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials, where Japan's Class-A war criminals from World War II were brought to justice.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Valdrack Jaentschke voiced his concern that today's world order is being undermined by interventionism and other challenges.

"It is necessary for us to remember that after the end of World War II, countries worked hard to build a new international order based on international law. However, regrettably, more than 80 years later, we are seeing that this once explored and attempted order is being challenged by interventionism, a confrontational mindset, and tendencies like 'might makes right.' These are precisely the conditions that gave rise to fascism and militarism in the past, which ultimately led to the tragedy of World War II," he said.

He said the international community has a responsibility to pursue a new international order -- one fundamentally grounded in peace.

"Looking back at the history more than eight decades ago and comparing it with today's reality, it is our responsibility to recognize that the world should, and must, build a new international order that is more just, fairer, rooted in international law, based on a logic of mutual benefit and shared success, and fundamentally grounded in peace," said the minister.

"Today, as we revisit the Tokyo Trials, it is meant to remind the world that such a tragedy must never be repeated -- and that we must do everything in our power to prevent it from happening again. We must stop that dark world -- born from militarism, interventionism, and fascism -- from ever returning," he said.

Nicaraguan FM warns of militarism revival