Ne Zha 2 is the sequel to 2019’s Ne Zha, both written & directed by Jiaozi. The film stars Lü Yanting, Han Mo, Lü Qi, Zhang Jiaming, Wang Deshun, Yu Chen, Li Nan, Zhou Yongxi, and Yang Wei. With a production budget of $80 million, the film has grossed $1.9 billion, surpassing 2024’s Inside Out 2 to be the highest-grossing animated film of all time. After catastrophe, although the souls of Ne Zha and Ao Bing were saved, their bodies would soon be shattered. Taiyi Zhenren plans to use the seven-color lotus to rebuild their bodies.

I check my AMC app frequently to see what’s playing, and this one caught my attention, mostly due to it having some 3D showings. For a sequel in 3D to be released in the states, it seemed like a big deal. One of my followers told me all about these movies. With it breaking box-office records, I had to see it before it left theaters. I saw it the day after I first watched the original. I got the earliest showing that was in 3D and spoken in Mandarin. Seeing this in theaters as soon as I did was an unreal experience.

I personally see any film in its original language. There is something real and authentic about it, and that’s something I felt like I was missing in the original on top of the fact that it felt like it needed to be seen in theaters. Needless to say, I can understand why this is breaking box-office records. The animation looks realistic, and even life-like at times. You can see where the animation has progressed in 6 years. This one is bigger, bolder, and better than I could have ever imagined in nearly every way.

Due to myself not understanding Mandarin, trying to see the amazing visuals on screen and read at the same time can be a lot to catch up on. I eventually learned what was going on, but I would be lying if I said I understood the set up. It can be a lot to catch on to with so much lore being thrown at you. At the same time, I feel like a second watch could warrant a higher score. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this cinematic event since I first saw it.

The three movies that kept coming to mind throughout this was The Raid 2, RRR, and Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. I thought of The Raid 2 due to how much set up there with such a large payoff. RRR, because of all of the amazing components that are mashed together perfectly. Beyond the Spider-Verse, because of how much more ambitious and threatening it is compared to the first. The first half has a lot of set-up with such interesting characters. With its ambitious runtime, the film never loses any momentum, resulting in a second half that delivers on every front.

While there is officially no rating, I could easily see this pass as rated PG. There is plenty of adventures and humor for the kids, with some humor for the adults. The action gives everyone a little bit of everything with surprises at every turn. You never know what’s going to happen, with fitting character development with some big payoffs. The film can get dark that adults will enjoy. The dark nature can also serve as some great themes for kids of all ages.

There is no doubt this one is giving Disney a run for its money. Seeing this in 3D actually made an argument to see things in 3D. The only films I have actually liked in 3D were the Avatar movies. I am not saying those movies are perfect. The 3D aspect is perfect to immerse you into these amazing worlds. That’s how I feel with this one. With some incredible, realistic animation, the 3D aspect immersed me into this world that made me feel like I was there.

Going forward, I would be interested in seeing what happens next. You can call me a fan after this one. Given where it ends, it certainly changes the landscape of who the titular character is, yet it gives him amazing character growth along with Ao Bing. With the box-office success, I am sure more is to come. I just hope it will continue to get a larger audience here in the U.S.

Overall, Ne Zha 2 is a near-perfect masterpiece. It is deserving of its success, both critically and financially. Seeing the original is worth it to better understand this world with a sequel that gives you more of what you would. This could very well be one of the best sequels of all time from its ambitious animation & action to its incredible script that offers important themes and comedic humor. I hope more people get to see this before it leaves theaters. That’s the best way to see it. If not, see it as soon as you can. We’ve got an amazing franchise in the works.

VERDICT: 4.5/5 (Amazing)