Ne Zha 2 Review

I have never considered myself an animation critic. While I cover anime, I do not consume enough animation from around the world to have a comprehensive understanding or deep appreciation of the medium. However, despite my lack of expertise, it is undeniable that one animated film has sent shockwaves through the industry, reshaping both animation and mainstream cinema discourse. Ne Zha 2 grossed an astonishing two billion dollars in China alone, making it not only the highest-grossing animated film of all time but also the fifth-highest-grossing film overall.

Discussions of East Asian animation have historically been dominated by Japan’s output. Yet, even the highest-grossing anime film, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, peaked at 500 million dollars—a fraction of Ne Zha 2‘s earnings. The film’s unprecedented success further underscores the sheer power of the Chinese box office and cements Chinese animation as a force to be reckoned with. With this in mind, my anticipation for Ne Zha 2 was high, especially as TikTok critics were showering it with praise. As I stepped into my local IMAX theatre, eager to see what awaited me, I soon realized I was about to experience something unlike anything I had seen before.

The film opens with a visually stunning recap of key events from the first installment before cutting to Chentang , where Master Taiyi Zhenren (Jiaming Zhang) uses a sacred lotus to create new physical bodies for Ne Zha (Lü Yanting) and Ao Bing (Han Mo). However, their newly formed bodies remain fragile. A sense of unease arises when Shen Gongbao (Wei Yang) arrives alone, secretly working alongside Ao Guang (Ao Bing’s father, voiced by Li Nan) to launch an attack on Chentang . In a desperate attempt to protect Ne Zha, Ao Bing sacrifices himself, and his body disintegrates into dust. Grief-stricken, Ne Zha resolves to restore his friend’s physical form, embarking on a series of trials to obtain immortality and an elixir that will bring Ao Bing back.

Deeply rooted in Chinese folklore, Ne Zha 2 is a grand-scale animated epic reminiscent of Creation of the Gods, which also features a reimagining of the legendary Ne Zha. The ongoing battle between spirits and demons within the human realm feels nothing short of monumental. Yet, it is the film’s breathtaking visuals that truly immerse the audience in its vast, adventurous world. The opening sequence, where portals unleash chained sea monsters still bound to their underwater prison, is nothing short of epic. Meanwhile, the film’s richly varied landscapes further enhance its sense of wonder—from a desert populated by marmot bandits to a bamboo forest that serves as a striking backdrop for training other demons.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its character animation. At times, Ne Zha’s skin appears almost lifelike, making me wonder if photo-realistic technology was used. One particularly unsettling scene, where tiny ice needles pierce Ne Zha’s skin, looked so disturbingly real that it made my stomach turn. Yet, beyond its hyper-realistic details, the animation excels in capturing the characters’ movements and mannerisms with remarkable fidelity, bringing them vividly to life on screen.

This incredible fluidity extends to the action sequences, making them some of the best I have seen in any animated film. Ne Zha’s raw power and escalating rage evoke the intensity of action-driven anime like Dragon Ball Z and One Piece. Characters soar and glide like mythical heroes, performing awe-inspiring feats that could only exist in a world of demons and gods. One particularly standout sequence takes place on bamboo poles, blending aerial and underwater choreography with exhilarating precision. The film also uses its characters’ abilities in clever and creative ways—such as when Ne Zha, facing an opponent who travels via electricity, utilizes Ao Bing’s ice powers to freeze the water, believing it will give him the upper hand.

The film culminates in a breathtaking final action sequence, where demons rise against the gods in a battle for equality. At its core, Ne Zha 2 explores the theme of equality—demons are viewed as an inferior class, exploited to sustain the power of the immortal gods, underscoring the idea that good and evil are far more complex than they appear. Ne Zha’s internal struggle as a mischievous demon is genuinely moving, allowing the film’s central message to resonate powerfully.

However, Ne Zha 2 is not without its flaws. The characters, for the most part, feel one-dimensional, only gaining depth in the third act. Even Ne Zha himself suffers from this—he remains a rebellious trickster for much of the film, undergoing a significant shift only near the end. This is frustrating, given that the fate of his hometown hinges on his success, yet his defiance toward the gods does little to help him achieve his goal.

Additionally, some of the crude humor did not land for me. I recognize this as more of an age-related issue, as the film is a family-oriented adventure, incorporating fart and pee jokes to entertain younger audiences. The children in my screening clearly enjoyed these moments, but for adults, they can feel somewhat grating.

Suring my expectations is no easy feat, yet Ne Zha 2 achieved the impossible. It is a gorgeously animated adventure, packed with exhilarating action set pieces and an engaging story that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this remarkable film.