- Chinese film Ne Zha 2 is become the biggest-grossing animation of all time
- The movie is coming to theaters in Europe later this month
- Ne Zha 2 is adapted from stories in Chinese mythology
Ne Zha 2 has broken box office records in China and around the world and is coming to theaters in Europe soon – but what is the movie all about?
Ne Zha 2 has become a global phenomenon since it first hit screens in China on January 29, and has become the biggest grossing animated film of all time – surpassing the record set by Inside Out 2 last year – having already grossed $2 billion. This is despite only having a limited release in the US.
The movie is likely to extend that record when it comes to European and Indonesian theaters later this month. Variety reported that Ne Zha 2 will be released in 37 European territories, including the UK, Germany and France, in the coming weeks.
Currently the movie is the sixth biggest grossing movie of all time, so it could yet go higher once its theatrical run is over.
But what is Ne Zha 2 all about and why has it been so popular with movie fans?
Ne Zha 2 – based on mythology
Ne Zha 2 is, as the name suggests, a sequel to Ne Zha. This movie was released in 2019 and told the story of Ne Zha, a boy born with unique powers, which make him an outcast, feared and hated by many. While a prophesy says he brings destruction to the world, Ne Zha must choose between good and evil and break the shackles of what his fate is. This film was hugely successful, grossing more than $740 million.
This movie is a direct sequel, although it is the third movie in the Fengshen Universe. It received rave reviews from critics on its release.
The movie has its roots in 16th century mythology, although it has been heavily reinterpreted for a modern audience.
In the movie, Ne Zha returns, but he, and his ally Ao Bing are struck by heavenly lightning and their bodies are destroyed. While their bodies are regenerated by a Master using his Sacred Lotus, but they are fragile.
When Ao Bing’s body disintegrates, Ne Zha – who is sharing his body with Ao Bing – must complete three trials to win a potion that will restore Ao Bing’s body. The trials are perilous, and a conspiracy emerges that threatens everything.
Technological achievement
The production of Ne Zha 2 was epic. It took five years to make and involved 4,000 people across 138 animation companies.
In all, Ne Zha 2 has more than 2,400 shots, including more than 1,900 special effects shots. Variety reported that one sequence involved 200 million individually animated characters – something rarely seen on this sort of scale.
