Nezha: Mo tong nao hai

It exceeded expectations and shattered the established imagination of the myth and legend of Nezha causing chaos in the sea, shaping a brand new core that is in line with the times for the story. The first part is about breaking destiny, the second part is about overturning rules. Good and evil have nothing to do with race. Shen Gongbao has his own persistence and cherishing, while immortals have their own selfish intentions. Breaking away from conventions will reveal new 'truths'. Whether it's a demon or an adult becoming immortal, even if the whole world is in front of you, don't forget yourself who has fire in your heart and wants to fight against the world. On the surface, it may seem like a sea of magical children, but it implies the theme of the entire era. Upon closer inspection, there are countless emotions that resonate with it.

Ne Zha 2 stands as an exceptional masterpiece in Chinese animation cinema. Ne Zha's iconic declaration - 'My destiny is mine to forge, not the heavens' to decide' - powerfully captures the resilient spirit of Chinese people confronting adversity. The film masterfully balances a gripping narrative filled with unexpected twists, emotionally resonant moments, and well-timed humor. Additionally, it showcases beautiful paintings inspired by traditional Chinese art. While the sequel delivers a complete cinematic experience, watching Ne Zha 1 first will deepen your understanding of the character development and mythological context, ultimately enhancing your viewing journey.

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to China's new all-time cinematic box office champion (top 10 worldwide as I write) with a staggering $1.6 billion generated mostly from Chinese theaters within a span of 17 days and still rising as it reaches international audiences, Ne Zha 2. As overhyped as I was before watching the movie due to the milestone it signifies, I was still pleasantly not disappointed.

My biggest complaint it that the film gives too much of everything: too much comedy, too much suspense, and too much action that we rarely have time for substantive emotional development. Besides that, the movie is a roller coaster of heightened emotion that free falls nonstop through toe-clenching fight sequences, mesmerizing world building, and countless intricate and diversely driven characters. Individualistic heroism proves very much futile in this society of hidden rules and unspoken bigotry, as every being lives to avenge their own justice. Thus the world of Ne Zha is horrifyingly realistic and incredibly engaging.

The aesthetics of the film also stands apart, taking modern adaptations of classical characters, designs, costumes, settings, and stories overall. Fusion of kung-fu and naturalistic sceneries with anime-like choreographs and cinematic shots makes the combat sequences truly blood-boiling. Based on videos I watched analyzing the movie's artistry, the amount of attention to detail the production gives in portraying the traditional artifacts, needlework, and weaponeering is impeccable.

Overall, Ne Zha 2 represents more than an outstanding animation and more than an industrial miracle.

I didn't get to watch Ne Zha 1 in theaters, and when I tried finding it online, I only saw a little and don't remember much. But Ne Zha 2 is absolutely legendary-nonstop excitement from start to finish, and I didn't even notice the two-plus hours passing.

Since I work as a long-haul driver, and IMAX screenings were extremely limited in the U. S. (only available for one day on 1/12), I pre-booked my ticket online on the 11th. Then, I drove 20 hours from Los Angeles just to catch the IMAX version in Dallas. It was totally worth the effort-both critically acclaimed and a box office success for a reason!

The entire audience was captivated for the full 2.5 hours, and no one left until the post-credits scene ended. Most people stayed until the lights came back on.

Even though it's an animated film, it appeals to all ages. I'm 40 year old, and I loved every second of it!

I recommend watching it in 2D or Laser 3D.

Nezha 2 is as wonderful as Nezha 1! Compared with 1, 2 is more mature, and the world outlook and the concepts conveyed by the film are more profound. "I'm the Mo" also perfectly echoes the first season, "I have the final say on "It's a Mo or a Xian". I really like Nezha and Ao Bing. Generally speaking, the portrayal of the characters is very wonderful, and the development of the storyline is also very reasonable and smooth. There are no bugs in the whole process. It's very true to the name! In addition, I am looking forward to the arrival of Nezha 3, and I hope I won't wait too long. I'm also looking forward to Nezha's brothers who will appear at the end!