Nezha Zhi Mo Tong Nao Hai

It's a rare case when a studio learns from its mistakes and improves every aspect of filmmaking: the story is more interesting, with a more fleshed-out world and characters, and the animation is so grandiose and complex that it not only makes the previous movie look simple but also surpasses all the animated films that came before it. The first action scene could've been a climactic battle in another film. With each big moment, Ne Zha's animation team pushes the envelope further, wisely saving the epic visuals for the finale. The new soundtrack features many solid compositions that enhance the sense of excitement and ... tension. Music has been lacking in the first movie, but Ne Zha 2 has set a new standard for sequels and animation in general. When you think Chinese artists have hit the ceiling, they remind us that there is a whole cauldron of ideas ready to be poured onto the digital canvas.

What an epic movie this was. I regret so much Star Cineplex didn't bring this to the theaters. Because this movie was a visual spectacle. Ok at 1st the CGI was a bit off-putting as many of the characters were cartoony. Clearly favoring a younger audience. But once I got used to it rest of the animation and worldbuilding was great. And the Sky Palace where the Immortals reside is the best I have seen depicted in live action or animated in any other live action Chinese TV shows or movies. In most live action the Sky Kingdom where Immortals reside fail to meet ... expectations. I think Ne Zha 2 perfected it.

The story is good. But to get the full emotional impact I highly recommend you see Ne Zha (the 1st move) first. You should know this is a direct sequel without any time skip.

I am impressed with the one battle where it seemed nearly millions of soldiers engaged in battle. They were so many the looked like bee swarms.

Ne Zha is one of the best franchise from China in my opinion. And I look forward to every sequel they make. I just hope Star Cineplex or Blockbuster bring it to theaters in Bangladesh.

My Rating: 9/10 (Amazing)

Although the story itself is quite simplistic, visually it is ambitious, sometimes to its own detriment. I get it. The story serves as a mere driving force to carry the viewer from one spectacle to the next. I am sure it was a visual treat on the big screen, and it is a shame that I watched it on my laptop. Regardless, I feel that the constant need for spectacle and the tendency to clutter each frame with grandiose sequences detract from the genuine talent of the artists who made this film possible. The third act in particular is so unbelievably cluttered that instead of ... inspiring awe, it simply becomes a mess. Every movement feels too smooth, and the action scenes lack charm because there is no real rhyme or reason behind the choreography. It is exhausting to sit through, with no room to breathe, and we never quite connect with the emotional beats because the plot rushes forward, demanding the next “cool” transformation or fight sequence. The choreography itself looks uninspired, designed to manufacture maximum overstimulation.

Despite all this, I do love the central message of the film, though I feel the story never does it justice. Can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I prefer the visually inferior prequel. Perhaps sometimes having a bigger budget is not such a blessing. Don't get me wrong: I strongly believe more money should be invested in original animated projects, but it is also worth noting that limited budgets often push filmmakers to compensate in other ways, which can result in something more substantial. I had a similar issue with the latest season of Rick and Morty, where much of the charm from the first few seasons was traded in for flashy action sequences, flexing the animation budget.

P.S. I have questions:
1. Why can Ne Zha's parents suddenly fly?
2. Um... Dragon Daddy?? Hello???