'Ne Zha 2,' the Chinese animated fantasy film and sequel to the 2019 blockbuster, is captivating audiences and leading the 2025 Spring Festival box office with its groundbreaking visual effects.
Drawing inspiration from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) novel 'Fengshen Yanyi' ('The Investiture of the Gods'), 'Ne Zha 2' builds upon the mythological tale of its titular hero, offering an even more immersive experience than its predecessor.
'The total number of shots with special visual effects in \"Ne Zha 2\" exceeds the entire shot count of the first movie,' said Chen Changjiang, executive producer of the film. 'With a total of 34 major scenes, the movie delivers a small climax as early as the seventh scene.'
A pivotal moment in the film centers on a massive horde of mythical sea creatures, all bound by chains—a visual spectacle that presented significant technical challenges. 'Those chains were non-negotiable for me, as they were essential to the plot's core logic,' explained director Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi. 'Our effects team had never faced such a task, so it required a lot of trial and error. It was a research and development process.'
The production team worked tirelessly to overcome these obstacles, investing considerable time in developing complex effects. 'Our goal was to create something that audiences had never seen before, delivering a strong visual impact and fresh artistic expression. This is the kind of work we believe is truly worth doing,' Yang added.
Initially, some critical shots were outsourced to top foreign visual effects teams, but the results were unsatisfactory. 'So we took the project back, and the domestic team worked hard to polish it, and finally achieved better results,' Yang said in an interview with China Media Group. 'We are still in a learning phase, and the gap is definitely closing.'
The film's success contributes to China's booming film industry. As of Tuesday, China's 2025 total box office, including real-time presales, has surpassed 10 billion yuan (nearly $1.4 billion), ranking first globally—a landmark achievement. The box office revenue for the 2025 Spring Festival holiday alone has reached 9 billion yuan as of noon on Tuesday, setting a new record, according to data from the China Film Administration.
'Ne Zha 2' not only showcases the advancements in China's animation industry but also reflects the dedication and creativity of its filmmakers. Audiences are flocking to theaters to witness this cinematic spectacle, marking a significant moment in the country's cultural landscape.
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'Ne Zha 2' sets box office ablaze with dazzling visual effects
cgtn.com
