Cinemas in London on Friday hosted preview screenings for the Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2", igniting widespread excitement and receiving glowing reviews in the UK.
The film is set for official release in the UK and Ireland on March 21, with screenings planned in over 250 cinemas across 100 cities in the two countries during its first week.
"Ne Zha 2" has shattered global box office records to become the No. 1 box office animated film of all time and also the first non-Hollywood production to crack the global all-time top 10 box office chart.
According to data from China's ticketing platform Maoyan, the film's global earnings, including presales, have exceeded 15.019 billion yuan (about 2.08 billion U.S. dollars) as of Saturday, overtaking Disney's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and securing its place as the fifth highest-grossing film of all time globally.
Rooted in 16th-century Chinese mythology with a bold reinterpretation, the movie, which appeals to all age groups, has attracted global audiences with its stunning visuals, well-crafted storytelling, and deep cultural heritage.
Many people in the UK have expressed immense excitement for the film.
"What I am expecting to see is just amazing, gorgeous, stunning animation," said one UK resident.
"I saw the trailers on YouTube, and it looks fantastic," another shared.
Another viewer at the preview screenings praised the film's choreography, fight scenes, and character animation, saying he was glued to his seat throughout the movie.
"I really enjoyed the movie. I was thoroughly entertained the entire time. It looks great on the big screen. It sounded fantastic," said another moviegoer.
"It's a new step for the animation industry. It shows that there's more outside than just what the Western sphere knows," another moviegoer shared.
Preview screenings of "Ne Zha 2" thrill UK fans ahead of official release
Preview screenings of "Ne Zha 2" thrill UK fans ahead of official release
Preview screenings of "Ne Zha 2" thrill UK fans ahead of official release
