Back in 2019, Ne Zha became a box office sensation in China, though I somehow never got around to it. It had a limited theatrical run in the States, but it slipped through the cracks for me. Fast forward to now, with Ne Zha 2 dominating the global box office and A24 preparing a new English-dub release, I finally sat down to experience the first film for myself.
Directed by Yu Yang (a.k.a. Jiaozi), Ne Zha follows the story of a boy born of a heavenly pearl split into two orbs—spirit and demon. By mistake, Ne Zha inherits the demon orb, marking him as cursed from birth. His parents, Li Jing and Lady Yin, struggle to raise him with compassion, while the immortal Taiyi Zhenren tries to guide his powers for good. Meanwhile, the spirit orb becomes Ao Bing, son of the Dragon King, destined to restore his clan’s honor. Though fated to be enemies, Ne Zha and Ao Bing develop a fragile friendship, only to face manipulation and prejudice that push them toward an epic showdown.
Seeing it years later, I have to say—I really enjoyed this film. It’s a story built on familiar archetypes and folklore-inspired beats, but executed with real heart and flair. Ne Zha himself is written with layers: a mischievous “Dennis the Menace” type who masks his loneliness, weighed down by a reputation of evil before he ever gets the chance to define himself. His parents’ love, particularly the father’s attempts to guide him, add an emotional core that makes the more fantastical elements hit harder.
Visually, the movie impressed me. The animation isn’t quite at the level of Disney or Pixar, but it’s not far off—especially during the big folklore-driven action sequences. The film bursts with color and spectacle in its third act, and the fantasy elements—gods, demons, dragons—kept me hooked. There are moments where side characters reveal some budget limitations, but for the most part, it’s one of the most impressive 3D animated films I’ve seen from China. The sound design and musical score also deserve praise, blending traditional Chinese instrumentation with cinematic weight.
The friendship between Ne Zha and Ao Bing is one of the strongest story threads, even if it feels a bit rushed in its early stages. Still, their dynamic pays off in the finale, delivering an emotional clash about destiny, prejudice, and taking control of one’s fate. That message—choosing your own path rather than living under imposed expectations—shines through clearly.
As someone who loves Asian cinema, folklore, and fantasy worlds full of gods and demons, this movie was right up my alley. I laughed at the humor (even if some jokes worked better in Chinese than in English), enjoyed the vibrant action, and felt genuinely moved by Ne Zha’s journey. Watching it now, I can only wonder why I waited so long.
With Ne Zha 2 already breaking records and heading into theaters via A24, I’m genuinely excited to see where this franchise goes. If future installments continue to balance heartfelt storytelling with folklore spectacle—and with an even bigger budget for the animation—I can see this series growing into something truly special.
Rating: 8/10