Chinese animated blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2' hit Hong Kong screens on Saturday in a much-anticipated general release, drawing large crowds and receiving an enthusiastic response from audiences.
A sequel to the 2019 hit "Ne Zha 1," "Ne Zha 2" continues to build on the beloved Chinese mythology surrounding the character and has been celebrated as a milestone for Chinese animation.
Since its debut on the mainland during the Spring Festival, the film has shattered several box office records, including surpassing Pixar's "Inside Out 2" to become the highest-grossing animated movie of all time globally.
The movie is seen as a breakthrough in Chinese filmmaking, signaling that Chinese films can rival Hollywood productions at the box office.
"Ne Zha 2 was better than I expected because there were sadness and joy as well as funny moments. It also showcased children's growth and relationships between parents and children, so it was a very heart-warming and stimulating film. It's worth watching again and again," shared one moviegoer enthusiastically.
"I think the production is really good and huge. It is unlike other animations from the mainland that I've ever seen before. And I would want to check out the attractions featured, like where the location of the story is based on. If there's a chance, I'd love to check it out," commented another moviegoer.
According to ticketing platform Maoyan, as of February 22, the film has grossed over 13 billion yuan (about 1.8 billion U.S. dollars) at the box office, including pre-sales and overseas earnings, making it the eighth highest-grossing film worldwide.
"The movie is popular because, firstly, the state's support can help to spread the information and do the promotion very well. And second, maybe this combined traditional culture and also mythology that can arouse the interest of the audience. And also, we can find that there are lots of Confucian values inside the film, such as benevolence, filial piety, and also righteousness that can serve educational purpose. And also, finally, because there is a lot of money put into the production, so we can see the audio and video is made very perfect," said Gabriel Tsang, a member of the Hong Kong Film Critics Society.
Tsang believes that the success of "Ne Zha 2" will likely influence China's film industry to incorporate more Chinese and traditional cultural elements in future productions.
He also predicts that it will pave the way for more Chinese animated films.
Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" draws large crowds, enthusiastic response in Hong Kong debut
Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" draws large crowds, enthusiastic response in Hong Kong debut
