Do we all get a second chance? Born of fire and destined for chaos, Ne Zha embodies authenticity in his struggle to be heroic despite being born a demon. “Ne Zha 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to 2019’s “Ne Zha,” hit theaters on Jan. 29, 2025, and has since shattered box office records, grossing over $2.1 billion worldwide.
Based on the Chinese mythological figure Ne Zha and adapted from Xu Zhonglin’s 16th-century novel “Investiture of the Gods”, the film combines breathtaking animation, a thrilling plot and timeless themes to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.
In “Ne Zha 2″, the eponymous hero continues his journey where he left off as a rebellious, self-doubting figure trying to carve out his own destiny against celestial forces. Nhe Za was born out of a demon orb, which sealed his fate in two ways. For one, Nhe Za makes bad choices— acting out and destroying things unnecessarily. He is also cursed with a “death date”, which is when the demon orb will be destroyed and he is fated to perish with it.
In a desperate attempt to start over, Ne Zha joins forces with Ao Bing(born in the opposing spirit orb) in order to forge a new body. To do this they must seek out the mystical lotus flower. However, when Ao Bing’s vessel is destroyed, the two spirits are forced to share Ne Zha’s form and set out on a perilous journey to Yu Xu Palace— where they can test for immortality. There, Ne Zha must face the trials of immortality and retrieve an elixir that could give him and Ao Bing another chance at life.
Visually, it’s no surprise why “Ne Zha 2″ has become such a triumph. The animation quality somehow surpasses the high bar set by the first film. Scenes uniquely blend traditional Chinese art with CGI, and every frame bursts with color, intricacy and fluidity. From the divine landscapes like Chenntanguan (Ne Zha’s hometown) to the intense, action-packed sequences the film is a visual feast. The character designs—especially of Ne Zha and the other gods—are meticulously crafted, giving each figure a distinct and striking presence on screen.
However, “Ne Zha 2″ isn’t just another well-produced movie with good graphics; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The film is the highest-grossing animated film of all time and the first non-English language film to gross over $1 billion and $2 billion. This milestone reflects the growing global influence of Chinese cinema and has helped draw attention from international audiences, proving that animated films can thrive outside of the Western-dominated industry.
While deeply rooted in Chinese mythology, the film’s themes of self-discovery, family and heroism are universal, resonating with viewers of all backgrounds. It’s proof that there is power of storytelling in animation and a platform for cultural representation on the global stage.
For CVHS students, “Ne Zha 2″ also offers a valuable lesson about preserving and sharing rich cultural traditions within the student body. It’s a reminder to embrace the diverse voices and perspectives of the school, and to seek authenticity.
At its core, “Ne Zha 2″ isn’t just a tale of gods and monsters, it’s a powerful exploration of identity, redemption and the constant battle between good and evil within us all. Ne Zha’s journey isn’t just physical; it’s a spiritual test of whether he’ll rise above the anger and chaos that once defined him. With stunning animation, emotional depth and a fresh take on classic mythology, “Ne Zha 2″ earns a solid 8.5/10 in my book as a must-see for fans of the original film.
