“Ne Zha 2,” China’s animated blockbuster based on the legendary mythological figure Ne Zha, has taken the global box office by storm. As of 1:30 p.m. Beijing Time on February 15, the film has grossed over 11.026 billion yuan (approximately $1.5 billion), surpassing “Avengers” and becoming the first Asian film to enter the top 11 in global box office rankings.
Since its release, “Ne Zha 2” has garnered widespread acclaim from audiences worldwide. Moviegoers have been actively discussing the film across various platforms, sharing their thoughts on social media, film review websites, and online forums.
Worldwide Acclaim and Positive Reviews
On international movie rating platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb, “Ne Zha 2” has received overwhelmingly positive ratings. Holding a score of 8.3/10 on IMDb as of February 15, the film reflects strong audience appreciation.
“It is so good to see that it exceeds expectations, breaks the established imagination of the myth and legend of Ne Zha, and creates a new core for the story in line with the times,” one viewer commented on IMDb. This sentiment highlights the film’s successful reinvention of the Ne Zha legend, resonating with global audiences on both emotional and philosophical levels.
The film boasts a 99% “popcornmeter” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Some viewers hailed it as the best movie of the year, while others expressed that it exceeded their expectations and are eagerly anticipating the release of the third installment.
Social Media Buzz and International Interest
“Ne Zha 2” has generated significant buzz on Facebook, the world’s largest social media platform. Many users have praised the film’s box office success. Commenting on the news that “Ne Zha 2” has surpassed “Frozen” to become the fifth-highest grossing animated film of all time, Val Lee from Canada expressed excitement, stating, “Really excited a non-American film is in this club.”
The film is currently showing in over 700 theaters in North America and on more than 100 screens in Australia and New Zealand. Viewers who have watched “Ne Zha 2” encouraged others not to miss it. Narado Yetman remarked, “‘Ne Zha 2’ is an excellent film and its success is imminent.” Tony Wong praised the movie for its compelling characters and storyline, adding that audiences might find themselves moved to tears.
Many users from countries where the film has not yet been released shared their anticipation and hope that it will become available in their regions or on streaming services like Netflix. Giorgio Lanteri commented, “The 2019 film ‘Ne Zha’ is one of the best animated movies I’ve watched. ‘Ne Zha 2’ looks even better from the trailers—I can’t wait to see it.”
Unique Cultural Exchange on RedNote
The success of “Ne Zha 2” has sparked a wave of excitement on RedNote, one of China’s major social media platforms that has recently gained an international following. The trending topic “#NeZha” has amassed 12 million posts, with increasing participation from international viewers.
A unique phenomenon known as the “Ne Zha tax” has emerged on the platform. While not a real tax, it represents an engaging form of cultural interaction where viewers share their movie tickets as “tax certificates.” This playful exchange has fostered a sense of global community among fans.
International users have also shared reaction videos, cosplay performances, dances, and character imitations inspired by the film. Chinese netizens have warmly welcomed these contributions, creating a relaxed atmosphere that encourages mutual appreciation. This enthusiastic interaction has motivated more international users to join the trend and experience “Ne Zha 2.”
Cross-Cultural Creativity and Collaboration
The friendly cultural exchange extends to creative endeavors. French guitarist Arthur Uduh shared his cover of the movie’s theme song, while Chinese martial arts enthusiast Jake Pinnick provided translations of popular lines from the film. American English teacher Jack Criswell enthusiastically dubbed highlight moments into English.
American actor Jonathan Kos-Read noted that international audiences can enjoy “Ne Zha 2” without a deep understanding of Chinese culture, emphasizing that its visual effects are “cool” and align with global trends.
The positive reception of “Ne Zha 2” reflects the growing global interest in Chinese animated productions. As discussions continue to flourish across platforms, the film’s success marks a significant milestone in cultural exchange and international cinema.
