China's animated blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2' continues to rewrite cinematic history, dominating box offices both at home and abroad. The film, which premiered during the Lunar New Year, has claimed the title of highest-grossing Chinese film domestically while securing a spot among the world's top 10 highest-earning releases.
Professor Kees Van Oostrum, twice Emmy-nominated cinematographer and former president of the American Society of Cinematographers, praised the film's technical sophistication in an exclusive interview. 'The visual storytelling synthesizes ancient Chinese aesthetics with cutting-edge animation techniques,' he noted, highlighting its 'universal emotional resonance.'
The cinematography master, who currently teaches at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, emphasized how director Yang Yu's team achieved a cultural bridge: 'They've elevated traditional fengshen mythology through dynamic camera work and lighting choices that speak to global audiences.'
Beyond its artistic merits, industry analysts are studying the film's commercial performance as a case study in cultural exports. With $850 million in global earnings to date, 'Ne Zha 2' demonstrates Chinese cinema's growing capacity to compete in international markets while maintaining distinct cultural identity.
