Full disclosure:  Prior to seeing this sequel, I had not seen the 2019 blockbuster original.  Kind of a mistake, to be sure, but I made due.  Also, by personal admission, I am in no way an expert in Chinese mythology, moreover as it relates to animated features.  Yes, in regards to this genre, I am clearly a “low information movie fan” as opposed to well-versed or cultivated fans of such.  Therefore, please consider these admissions as you read this review.  It is as if I landed on a foreign planet and am trying to navigate my way around, somewhat clumsily, at best.  Then again, as this masterpiece formally opens today (Valentine’s Day, 2025) in the United States, I know that I am NOT the only “rookie” to be introduced to the Ne Zha story/saga!

To be sure, this movie has a complex plot and as such, arriving late (as it opens with extensive narration) is not advised.  (In fact, as I saw this movie in IMAX at an AMC theatre, there were NO trailers; as such, dozens of frustrated latecomers, scrambled to find their seats in the pitch-black theatre).  Back to the plot.  I do not recall striving to piece together a more complex story in an animated feature – EVER!  (From what I understand, this complexity is typical of Chinese storytelling, particularly in regards to the lives of deities in Chinese mythology).  In any case, paying close attention to the movie in the first half-hour is critical such that the fan does not feel lost as the movie moves forward.  As opposed to many movie reviews, for the sake of brevity and keeping this spoiler-free, I am not going to spell out the movie’s plot here.  Just know that, while the plot/story is complicated, it is also very intriguing and entertaining!

I truly enjoyed this film for a multitude of reasons.  Here are a few of the strongest areas which stuck out for this “genre novice”:

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• Animation: OK, I get it, this is an obvious “shout out”, but seriously, this animation ROCKS!  As stated, I watched this movie on an IMAX screen and, as such, the “ocular impact” was mind-blowing.  I kept thinking things like, “Wow, I haven’t seen THAT before – how COOL!”  Moreover, the intricate detail in the animation was truly exemplary.  I can only imagine the number of hours that these animators must have clocked to achieve such “near perfection”.
• Screenplay: For animated films, this might not typically be one of my “call-outs”, but the story and dialogue move along so swimmingly that the writers should be lauded for their excellent work on this film.  As only one example, bits of comic relief are sprinkled throughout, even giving nods or paying homage to past animated classics such as “Minions” and “Snow White”.
• Relationships/Characters: It is widely known that family, either “extended”, but especially “nuclear”, is of tantamount importance in the Chinese culture.  This movie continually “pulls on the heartstrings” of viewers through the ever-tight, albeit sometimes rocky, relationships between blood relatives.  This adds fuel to multiple touching scenes where loss, through death, is experienced by families that must endure the unthinkable (losing their loved ones). Additionally, the fan grows to empathize with the vast majority of characters, even ones who are flawed or have been coerced to commit evil acts.

Finally, a few “warnings” for the public good!  First, this movie is entirely in Mandarin with English subtitles throughout, so bring those reading glasses, if necessary.  Second, while it IS an animated film, it IS NOT meant for small children (under six- or seven-years old).  While there are adorable animals and funny (slapstick-like) characters, these can’t mask a few frightening images which can give underage children nightmares.  Third, as previously mentioned, BE PUNCTUAL, or risk thinking, “What the heck is going on here?!?!”

Grade: A

Movie Review—Na Zhe (part 1)

The Birth of Na Zhe—English translation

About The Peetimes: Because this movie is so action-packed and visually spectacular, it was very tough to find Peetimes where nothing “cool” will be missed.

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February 13, 2019

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The movie was in Mandarin with subtitles. This makes it exceptionally hard to do take notes and watch/read the movie at the same time. I did my best. I hope I got the names correct, but again, it’s not my language.

The first Peetime is, by far, the very best.

The third one should be used only in emergencies.

There are extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of Ne Zha 2.

Plot
After the catastrophe, although the souls of Nezha and Aobing were saved, their bodies would soon be shattered. Taiyi Zhenren planned to use the seven-colored lotus to rebuild their bodies.