Ne Zha (2019) Revisit: A 2010s Animated Movie That Broke Several Records in China

 

Copyright © Beijing Enlight Pictures, Chengdu Coco Cartoon, Well Go USA Entertainment

Title: Ne Zha (2019)
Alternative Titles: 哪吒之魔童降世 (original Chinese) Director: Jiaozi

Based on: Investiture of the Gods by Xu Zhonglin

Release Date: July 11, 2019 (Beijing), July 26, 2019 (China), August 29, 2019 (United States, Canada - Select IMAX 3D), September 6, 2019 (United States, Canada)

    Yes, we know this might feel unneeded, but the box office gave us a reason why it needed a revisit. Regarding film, one of the most unimaginable things to happen this year was a sequel to this movie dethroning Disney for the highest-grossing animation category. Before we talk about the sequel, let's talk about the predecessor. Also our first movie of the month, today's movie is Ne Zha, the 2019 animated adaptation of the Chinese mythological character, Nezha. Back in its time, it broke the box office with $742.2 million against a cheap $22 million budget, as well as breaking several records to become the highest-grossing non-English animated film until February of this year. Critics and audiences were even praising this film for the animation, creative depth, and action. Back at the 92nd Academy Awards, it was the first Chinese film to be chosen as an entry, albeit it was not nominated. For being a chaotically visual spectacle made in China, Ne Zha is a splendid movie that can vanquish any of its rivals as possible.

Summary

   "The Primus extracts a Mixed Yuan Bead into a spirit bead and a demon bead. The spirit bead can be reincarnated in human to help King Zhou establish a new dynasty, the demon bead will create a devil and harm human. Ne Zha is the one who should be spirit bead hero but he becomes a devil incarnate, because the spirit bead and the demon bead is switched." - Google

Reasons

    The most shining spirits of Ne Zha are the brilliant animation, adaptive story, and strong message. A big reason why this movie has exploded at the box office is the saturated colors and fast movements. The character designs, especially Ne Zha and Ao Bing, stand out to match their respective personalities. Unlike with most of Disney's latest animated films, this one has as much artistic creativity as it could to pull you into its world, even when the budget was just $22 million total. Not only was the animation creative, but the story is an emotionally crazy take on the mythological tale. To summarize it, the Demon Orb (the evil one) goes to Ne Zha, while the Spirit Orb (the good one) goes to Ao Bing. Once these two meet, the story cooks up as much emotion and backstory as it could to make a heartwrenching ending, which is what makes this movie a rollercoaster. Once the story is finished, it comes out with a strong message. Along with accepting yourself for who you are and fighting prejudice, this movie mainly tells us to master our fate. This message is strong because fate in the future may be good or bad.
    Secondary spirits of Ne Zha include watchable action, great lore, and deep characters. A big part of Investiture of the Gods is the action, so this adaptation could be no different. The fight scenes are well-articulated wuxia layered over emotionally driven conflict. The battles are a big part in making this movie remembered worldwide. Even though it's an adaptation, the lore is a rich Chinese tapestry reimagined with an original alteration of the character. In the traditional lore, Ne Zha was a normal child, but this movie decides to take it a step further. On top of that, it is not hard to understand because it did not make as many unnecessary plot points to deter our attention from the main story. As our last part, the characters are mythically complex and relatable. Ne Zha plays as the fiery and rebellious antihero, whereas Ao Bing is the calm but tragic rival. The supporting characters, like Taiyi Zhenren, have both personalities and importance to the story development.
    The only demonic things Ne Zha will need to fix are the mostly juvenile humor and a few unanswered questions. Although this movie is mainly an epic-inspired story, it's okay to use a few jokes here and there. However, most of the jokes are either slapstick or toilet humor, which is something that should be used in a children's film instead of a teen-oriented film. Even if the movie sewed most of its plot points closed, some plot threads are still hanging. We do not have anything else like Shen's deeper motivations or Ne Zha's consequences of his death.

Conclusion

    Ne Zha is a record-breaking Chinese animated movie that is a crazily awesome and action-packed take on the titular character. At the end of the day, what makes this movie special in its region are the saturated animation, meaningful message, and fun battles. All of these are mixed in a highly original take of the tale, and yet, nothing was so boring. If you're a fellow fan of Chinese culture or you love animation, this movie would be worth watching. It is highly possible you would find the movie for free because it is a movie from a minor company.

    Score: 9/10 (if fate is unfair, then fight it to the very end)