Animated film Ne Zha 2 is ‘China’s answer to Hollywood’ hegemony

Chinese fans are hailing the success of the animation film Ne Zha 2, calling it “China’s answer to Hollywood’s superhero hegemony”.

“Hollywood spent a century exporting superheroes. Now, we have our Ne Zha,” read a top-liked comment on Chinese social platform Weibo.

Ne Zha 2 became the highest-grossing animated film globally on Tuesday, after amassing a total box office of 12.3 billion yuan ($2.66 billion) — surpassing Pixar’s Inside Out 2, according to data from ticketing platform Maoyan.

But in contrast to Hollywood films, which typically rely on a more global distribution strategy, over 99 per cent of Ne Zha 2’s box office income has come from mainland China.

The film attracted massive crowds after it was released during the Lunar New Year holiday, with companies sending busloads of staff to see the film in a show of nationalism.

Videos of employees lining up to board yellow buses bearing banners with the words “Boosting Box Office for Ne Zha 2. Go, go, go! Achieving the top selling global film” were posted on X earlier this week.

Directed by Yang Yu, also known as “Jiaozi” — who helmed the first film in 2019 — Ne Zha 2 continues the story of Ne Zha, a mythical figure grappling with his demonic heritage while striving to protect his loved ones.

On Chinese social media, netizens hailed the film as a “historic moment of cultural confidence”.

Videos with hashtags like ‘RiseOfChineseAnimation’ amassed 10 billion views on Douyin, the domestic version of TikTok used in China.

In Australia, limited screenings of the film have also drawn dedicated fans who say they are eager to see a blockbuster film that blends Chinese mythology and cutting-edge animation production.

Sheng Ruonan says she is an “experienced” anime fan.

“Whether it’s the portrayal of mythical creatures, dragons, immortals, or the intricate costumes and landscapes, all of it breathes classical Chinese aesthetics,” said Melbourne anime fan Sheng Ruonan.

“This artistic approach enhances cultural confidence and a sense of identity.”

Fans critical of ‘male-gazing humour’

But in contrast to the overwhelming praise online, Ms Sheng also took issue with some aspects of the film.

The 28-year-old said she didn’t like the film’s “preachiness” and “patriarchal tone”.

“It constantly tries to convey grand and vague lessons in a comedy intended for all ages.”

A picture of an anime character on a movie screen.

Viewers in China flocked to see the film when it was released during the Lunar New Year holiday.  (Supplied: Wang Ning)

Comments similar to Ms Sheng’s have also gained traction on social media.

Another criticism was the trailer, which briefly showed a female character’s skirt being stepped on.

Filmgoers complained about the “male-gazing humour”, arguing the focus should instead be on the characters’ strength.

Factors contributing to film’s success

Kenny Ng, an associate professor from the School of Film and Television at Hong Kong Baptist University, said the use of 5G and new visual technologies significantly lifted the animation quality.

“The promotion of the film in the Chinese cultural market and on social media also played a crucial role in its success,” Dr Ng said.

Xingyu Chen, a 25-year-old from China’s eastern Jiangsu province, has watched the film twice.

“I feel that the movie’s marketing is really well done because I keep seeing related social media content,” Ms Chen said.

“I’m not someone who usually enjoys watching animation films, but this time I was really drawn to the movie’s intellectual property because it’s a Chinese production, and it feels very passionate.”

A series of figurines of movie characters on a shop shelf.

Blind box toys like these figurines sold out within two weeks of the film’s release.

Ms Chen has also bought collectible Ne Zha 2 toys, which sold out everywhere within two weeks of the film’s release in China.

The filmmakers are also collaborating with China’s biggest internet game company Tencent to create a Ne Zha 2 game.

Timmy Chih-Ting Chen, an assistant professor in cultural studies at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, said the impact of Ne Zha 2 would go beyond the screen, as it disseminated the “uniqueness of Chinese culture” around the world.

During the 1950s to 1970s, animation evolved into an educational and propaganda tool in China, with iconic works like Havoc in Heaven (1965) becoming cultural staples.

Following the economic reforms of the 1980s, Chinese animation began integrating modern technology with traditional narratives.

By 2022, China’s animation industry comprised over 6,800 enterprises nationwide and supported a workforce of approximately 340,000 people, according to statistics from the China Audio-Video and Digital Publishing Association.

The promotional poster shows a big fish from an old animated film.

The promotional poster of Big Fish & Begonia (2016). (Supplied: Weibo)

While this film is a stand-out, Mr Chen said other Chinese animated films like Fantastic Tales, also based on Chinese mythology, and Art College have also garnered international praise.

“Liu Jian’s Art College was a surprise highlight, being selected for the main competition at the Berlin Film Festival,” he said.

Films like Big Fish & Begonia (2016) and the first Ne Zha film (2019) also highlighted China’s growing presence on the global animation stage.

Source:Jojo Zhou/ABC News, original artcile link