The overwhelming success of Ne Zha 2 has underscored a significant shift in Chinese cinema, with local films now dominating the box office over Hollywood blockbusters. The animated film, which draws inspiration from Chinese mythology and a 16th-century novel, has made history as the highest-grossing film ever in China. In just under two weeks since its release, Ne Zha 2 has raked in over $1 billion in ticket sales, becoming the first non-Hollywood film to reach this milestone.
This achievement offers a much-needed boost to the Chinese film industry, which has been grappling with a sluggish economy and weak ticket sales. Unlike past years when Hollywood films reigned supreme, the success of Ne Zha 2 reflects a growing preference for domestic productions, many of which feature patriotic themes or delve into traditional Chinese culture and folklore.
Ne Zha 2 is a sequel to the 2019 film, which was the highest-grossing animated movie in China at the time. In the original film, Nezha, born as the reincarnation of a demon, fights against his destined three-year life span and saves his village. The sequel follows a similar narrative, as Nezha challenges the political system that governs gods and demons, facing off against the Dragon King of the Four Seas and other mythical creatures.
Raymond Zhou, an independent film critic, praised the movie for its universal appeal. “Ne Zha 2 is a rare film that hits all the right notes,” he said. “It resonates with all demographics and has successfully captured their attention.”
The film, which premiered on January 29 during the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday, has already earned $1.2 billion in ticket sales, according to data provider Maoyan. This total exceeds the highest-grossing film of 2024 by more than double. Ne Zha 2 will also be released in North America this Friday. While the movie’s success is impressive, Zhou believes its popularity is not solely due to the timing of its release. He attributes the film’s success to its fresh take on classic tales and characters that resonate particularly with younger audiences.
Once a significant market for Hollywood, Chinese audiences are now turning away from American films. In 2023, no U.S. film made it into the top 10 at the Chinese box office. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire was the only American film to crack the top 10 in 2022, landing at number nine.
Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of the Global Times, noted that China’s initial embrace of Hollywood films in the 1990s helped develop the country’s movie industry. However, Hu now believes that China’s film industry is strong enough to stand on its own.
“This is the best Chinese animation I have ever seen,” Hu said in a post on Weibo, a popular social media platform. “The days when Chinese audiences admired Hollywood animated films like Kung Fu Panda are long gone.”
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