More often than not, I watch a broad range of movies. Frankly speaking, in my leisure time, nothing makes me happier than watching the various genres of movies because they make me feel on top of the world and understand the world better, gain new standpoints, and even motivate me to make positive changes in my life and other related aspects.
Notwithstanding the fact that I heard a lot about the most talked-about movie titled Ne Zha 2, I could not find the time to watch it. Though I had the plan to watch, I did not know when my dream would come true. However, through the passage of time, something unexpected happened. I did not even imagine this would come about.
The thing was, I had the opportunity to watch the film at the Chinese Film Hall, which took me by surprise. Before I headed straight to the Hall, I read various interesting facts about the movie and its unique features.
When I arrived there, I set in motion a visit to its various areas. As China has done the whole thing under the sun in a very attention-grabbing way, as usual, I was taken by surprise. The whole thing grabbed my attention at the stroke of a pen. Then, I walked into the hall, built in an eye-catching way. The inside of the hall was a feast for the eyes and out of this world.
The film soon began, and it did not take long to melt my heart. I made the sign of the cross, saying in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. I felt an electric wave-like effect running through my entire body. If truth be told, from the moment the movie saw the day of light, it turned out to be the talk of the world.
The upcoming discussion will combine my insights with those of others, based on the information I have gathered:
It is abundantly clear that as things stand at present, the fame of Ne Zha 2 movie has continued spreading like wildfire in every square corner of the world. It was released in February 2025.
The main actors of the Ne Zha 2 are Lu Yanting, Josephe Cao, Han Mo, Lu Qi, Zhang Jiaming, Wang Deshun, Li Nan and Yu Chen, Zhou Yongxi, Yoze Han and countless others. The film falls primarily into Animation, fantasy, adventure, action, drama, and the like. The running time is 2 hr 23 minutes.
As a videographer and video editor, the film employs various types of camera shot techniques to create a visually dynamic and engaging cinematic experience. These techniques include a range of shot types, camera moments, and angles to convey different emotions and perspectives throughout the film.
Pan, zoom, tacking, master, establishing, point of view, medium, wide, and over-the-shoulder and close-up shots have been widely witnessed in the movie. More to the point, high and low angles as well as eye-level shot have been employed.
In a related move, regarding camera moments, dolly, tilt, pedestal, boom, pan and zoom have been employed. By combining these techniques, the film creates a visually rich and immersive cinematic experience that effectively conveys the story’s themes and emotional impact.
Close-up shots have been repeatedly used with a focus on revealing a character’s inner state through facial expressions, such as fear, joy, or sadness, or other related aspects.
Recently, Xinhua’s Zinhua Yunlong, regarding Ne Zha 2, said that the runaway success of the film is more than just a box office triumph—it is a cultural moment. Having amassed over 10 billion yuan (1.39 billion U.S. dollars) in global total earnings, including presales, the animated sequel is the first film to gross 1 billion U.S. dollars in a single market and the first non-Hollywood title to join the coveted billion-dollar club.
With domestic earnings projected to surge past 15 billion yuan, the film is poised to become the highest-grossing animated movie of all time and one of the five top-grossing films globally. And beyond its box office successes, the film signals a new phase in China’s cinematic and cultural ambition.
At its heart, it’s an inspiring story about identity, free will, self-determination, and rebellion – ideas that resonate far beyond China.
One of the most thought-provoking aspects of Ne Zha 2 is how it challenges the idea of good and evil. In Daoist philosophy, evil and good, often known as Yin and Yang, are not absolute but are rather shifting, interconnected forces. Even the last battle is not just Ne Zha’s fight but a battlefield showing the Chinese spirit of collectivism. Dragons, shrimp soldiers, crab generals, octopus warriors, humans, and millions of goblins stand side by side to rewrite destiny.
The film challenges the traditional view of good and evil, illustrating how both can be interconnected and fluid rather than absolute. By following Ne Zha’s journey, the film encourages viewers to embrace self-discovery and take control of their lives even when facing adversity.
The movie emphasizes that fate is not a fixed destiny, rather a path that can be changed through personal effort and determination. Through the film’s journey of self-discovery, the film encourages viewers to question their own beliefs and take control of their lives. Ne Zha’s willingness to fight for his own destiny even in the face of overwhelming odds inspires viewers to do the same.
Ne Zha 2 explores free will, self-determination, and challenging authority, drawing heavily from Taoist Philosophies. The film challenges traditional notions of good and evil, portraying them as interconnected and shifting forces, with heroes and villains blurring lines. It also highlights the importance of self-worth, family bonds, and the indomitable spirit of facing adversity, resonating with audiences worldwide, according to a source.
In one scene, Ne Zha 2 is struck by the “heart-piercing curse,” a brutal spell that covers his body in ten thousand thorns, causing unbearable pain and keeping him under control by targeting his heart. Ne Zha’s mother, Lady Yin, clings to him as his thorns pierce her skin—yet she refuses to let go. It’s a moment of heartbreak, parental love, and inner awakening. As his mother takes her final breath in Ne Zha’s grief, his body shatters into a million pieces. And then, he is reborn.
The emotional bonds between Ne Zha and his family, particularly his mother, highlight the importance of cherishing family ties and the impact of family support. However, perhaps the most profound transformation comes from the dragon prince Ao Bing. As the last hope of his people, burdened by centuries of expectation, he finally makes a choice, not for legacy, not for his ancestors, but for himself. In this moment, his once-imposing father, the Dragon King, releases his grip: “Your path is yours to forge.”
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL 2025
