Image: Supplied image.
It was hardly surprising that a sequel to the Chinese animated fantasy thriller Ne Zha was produced, considering the film’s success where it earned an astounding $719 million just alone in China.
Ne Zha II has already screened in Asian markets and is an even bigger hit having reached a mammoth box office of $2.150 Billion!
Ne Zha is an extremely complex Chinese mythological character encompassing demon traits with magical powers, depicted as mischievous yet brave.
In this direct sequel to the original, Ne Zha embarks on a mission with a friend to become an immortal. In the process they battle heavenly enemies and uncover a conspiracy that threatens the world.
The overwhelming success of this animated film in China can be attributed to the fact that the character Ne Zha is a household name. But the question that arises is, will this film resonate with animation enthusiasts in Australia?
The first film in the franchise barely earned $1 million in Australia, possibly from Chinese movie goers who were familiar with this character.
Dubbed in English Ne Zha II is a feast for the eyes, boasting stunning and beautifully entrancing animation which is its main appeal. However, the story which is headed by an abundance of complex characters and concerns power struggles in meticulous detail is convoluted, especially for first time audiences who have no prior knowledge of the characters or storylines in this animated franchise.
The humorous dialogue which is reminiscent of comedic elements from US animated feature films including Inside Out and The Croods is whimsical aimed at much younger viewers, which is bizarre and inappropriate as this film is not suitable for the younger demographics, but more aptly for mature audiences. Dark themes, scary scenes and the general ominous mood of the film compounded by the exhaustive lengthy running time of 145 minutes eliminate this as general viewing for younger moviegoers.
The intermittent battle scenes should arouse interest, especially in the final 30 minutes leading to the climactic finale, which is enhanced by a pulsating and high-energy musical score that drives the action forward.
The best advice for the majority of audiences who fail to connect with the characters and navigate through the vagueness of the narrative, is to just sit back and marvel at the vibrant visuals and detailed animation of this culturally rich fantastical world. To fully embrace an animated feature film a comprehensible storyline is also of paramount importance.
Ultimately, will there be another sequel to this phenomenally successful franchise? Of course! Ne Zha and Ne Zha II have garnered little interest in the markets outside of China, but as long as these movies continue to attract Chinese moviegoers and achieve box office gold, the brand will continue to be milked for monetary gain.
**1/2
In Cinemas August 28
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