‘Ne Zha 2’ Review: Hit Chinese Animated Sequel Delivers in Jaw-Dropping Visual Spectacle, but Overflows With Lore

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In the highly successful sequel to the 2019 Chinese animated action saga “Ne Zha 2”, the fight between divine immortals and monstrous creatures in an ancient mythical realm escalates to such an intense, breathtaking level that it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the multitude of stunning effects and characters constantly moving. The aerial battle becomes so massive, fighters from both sides appear tiny like specks amidst a flock of birds.

After reaching that stage, it’s clear that understanding all the intricate details of this complex story might demand repeated watchings and constant note-taking. The world of “Ne Zha 2” is filled with spells, curses, feuds, a surprising villain, enormous dragons transforming into humanoid warriors, along with numerous other creatures. This stunning computer animation masterpiece surpasses its predecessor in terms of visual grandeur and dynamic action. Watching it in stereoscopic 3D and IMAX, “Ne Zha 2” is awe-inspiring, although the screen and plot may feel overwhelmingly saturated for nearly three hours.

In this second part, director Jiaozi (also known as Yu Yang) takes us back to the story with a quick summary of what happened in the first film. The main characters, Ne Zha (Lü Yanting), an unforeseen hero who refused his destiny as a villain, and Ao Bing (Han Mo), a more balanced character, had formed a friendship. They banded together to challenge the mighty powers that shaped them. These two represent opposite but interconnected elements of energy – Ne Zha born from the Demon Orb’s fiery portion and Ao Bing from the water-based Spirit Pearl.

In the conclusion of “Ne Zha”, both characters make a selfless move by giving up their corporeal forms to shield their tribes. Ao Bing, nurtured by dragons tasked with watching over an underwater demonic prison, contrasts with Ne Zha who was brought up among humans in the Chentang Pass, most of whom feared him. To assist Ao Bing’s spirit regain its solid body, Ne Zha must disguise himself as a non-demon, conquer numerous challenges to achieve immortality, and secure a wondrous elixir to support his ally.

To avoid being exposed as a demon during trials, Ne Zha permits Ao Bing’s spirit to control him. This transformation alters Ne Zha’s small, rebellious visage into Ao Bing’s gentler facial features, all within the same body. The design of the characters subtly reflects their unique personalities. As Ne Zha reaches his peak power, he transforms from a chubby boy character to a sleek and confident teenager with an aloof demeanor. The way artists creatively redesign dragons when they take human form, turning scaly skin into armor, demonstrates the careful attention to detail in the diverse characters of the “Ne Zha” universe, which continues to expand.

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself utterly captivated by the immaculate and intricate settings where the story unfolded. The Xu Tu Palace, often referred to as heavenly, where the pivotal character Wuliang Xianweng (Wang Deshun) resides in the latter part of the film, is said to be crafted entirely from jade. The way the texture and lighting were brought to life within this palace truly lived up to that claim, leaving me in awe. The attention to detail in world-building, along with the stunning water and fire effects and the flawless character animation, all contributed to the breathtaking action sequences.

In the opening scene, Master Shen Gongbao (Yang Wei), representing the dragon clan, cuts across the sky with immense power, opening a gateway to their underwater domain, causing cascades of molten lava and releasing monstrous creatures. This scene sets up an intense battle at Chentang Pass that could be disastrous. This is just one instance showcasing the skills of the countless individuals behind the production of these films. In another battle, Ao Bing, possessing Ne Zha’s body, meets an opponent capable of transforming into electricity and teleporting through conductive elements such as water. With rain falling on a lake, the electric energy darts through the air for an extraordinary fight sequence, offering more visual splendor in this film that never fails to impress viewers with its vivid spectacle.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve found myself lost in the rich tapestry of Chinese animated films like “The Storm” (2024) and “Big Fish & Begonia” (2016), with their grand mythologies. Much like these masterpieces, the “Ne Zha” series tends to delve deeply into the intricate details of its supernatural lore, which can be a bit overwhelming for an audience. The films are adapted from the 16th-century literary work “Investiture of the Gods,” teeming with gods and their divine interplay.

To help us navigate this complex universe, the screen is often filled with text introducing each new character, location, or weapon used by the characters. However, the sheer volume of information can sometimes feel overwhelming, leaving me somewhat dazed.

The second installment of “Ne Zha,” a film rich in maximalist style and humor that could leave Western viewers perplexed (as both films use comedy by depicting Ne Zha urinating), focuses on the emotional heart of the story, which lies in the protagonist’s profound connection with his parents, especially his mother. It also emphasizes that those who appear angelic may not be virtuous, and the outcasts, including Ne Zha himself, might possess a superior moral compass. What stands out is that even if you don’t fully comprehend the plot and its numerous conflicts, “Ne Zha 2” has the ability to overwhelm your senses and make anyone who watches it feel they have just experienced an animated production that leaves nothing in reserve.

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2025-03-03 01:16