Chinese blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2' gains global popularity on online platforms

As of 1:30 p.m. Beijing Time on February 15, China's animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2," based on the traditional Chinese mythological figure Ne Zha, surpassed a total box office gross of 11.026 billion yuan (around $1.5 billion) including pre-sales and overseas earnings, overtaking "Avengers" at the box office. It has now become the first Asian film to enter the global box office top 11.

Since its release, "Ne Zha 2" has garnered attention from moviegoers worldwide, with numerous discussions emerging across various platforms. Viewers have shared their thoughts on film review websites, social media and online forums, highlighting different aspects of the film that resonated with them.

On movie rating platforms such as Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb, "Ne Zha 2" has received a notable number of positive ratings. On IMDb, the film held a score of 8.3/10 on Saturday, February 15, reflecting strong audience appreciation.

"It is so good to see that it exceeds expectations, breaks the established imagination of the myth and legend of Nezha, and creates a new core for the story in line with the times," one comment reads on IMDb. The commenter adds that it's not just about a demon child causing chaos; it's a reflection of deeper themes. This review highlights the film's successful reinvention of the Ne Zha legend, resonating with global audiences on both emotional and philosophical levels.

The film received a 99-percent "popcornmeter" rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Some viewers commented that it's the best movie of the year, while others expressed that it exceeded their expectations and are eagerly anticipating the release of the third installment.

Meanwhile, "Ne Zha 2" has received widespread attention on Facebook, the largest social media platform in the world.

Many Facebook users have praised the box office performance of "Ne Zha 2. " Commenting on the news that "Ne Zha 2" has surpassed "Frozen" to become the 5th-highest grossing animated film of all time, Val Lee from Canada said that she is "really excited a non-American film is in this club."

"Ne Zha 2" is now showing in over 700 theaters in North America and on more than 100 screens in Australia and New Zealand. Facebook users who watched "Ne Zha 2" advised others not to miss it. Narado Yetman said "Ne Zha 2" is an excellent film and its success is imminent. Tony Wong said that "Ne Zha 2" is a great movie with "dope" characters and storylines and viewers may cry while seeing it.

Some Facebook users also suggested that "Ne Zha 2" expands its promotion in countries where it has been released. Peter Koevari, an award-winning screenwriter, director and producer from Australia said in his vlog that he attended a screening event in Australia and was shocked by how little promotion this film received. He added that the cinema was packed out and found the film to be "excellent."

Some Facebook users, such as Stryden De Ocampo, believed that once "Ne Zha 2" reaches worldwide audiences, it will top the box office list of global animated films.

Many Facebook users from those countries where it has not been released said that they can't wait to watch the film and that they hope it will be released where they live or on streaming services like Netflix. Giorgio Lanteri said that the 2019 film "Ne Zha" is one of the best animated movies he has watched. He added that "Ne Zha 2" looks even better from the trailers and that he "can't wait to see Ao Guang from 'Ne Zha 2' at full power."

The success of "Ne Zha 2" has caused a huge stir on RedNote, one of China’s biggest social media platforms that has recently attracted an international following. The trending topic of "#NeZha" garnered 12 million posts on the platform, among which international viewers' feedback is increasing.

A so-called "Ne Zha tax," has quietly taken off on the platform. This "tax" isn't a real levy but a novel online interaction phenomenon created on RedNote, similar to Chinese users asking "TikTok refugees" to pay their "cat tax" last month.

Serving as a distinctive form of cultural exchange and interaction, many American users, having watched "Ne Zha 2," enthusiastically embraced the "Ne Zha tax" invitation, and showing their tickets as "tax certificates."

After seeing the film, many international users on RedNote shared reaction videos, ranging from movie character cosplays, dances and character imitations. Chinese netizens, with their warm-hearted hospitality and enthusiasm, created a relaxed atmosphere that is fueling mutual praise. This unique form of interaction also motivated more international users to join the trend of going to see "Ne Zha 2."

The friendly cultural interaction also features in-depth analysis. American actor Jonathan Kos-Read shared in his video that international viewers don't need to understand Chinese culture fully to enjoy "Ne Zha 2" as its visual effects are "cool" and in line with international trends.

Detailed aspects of the movie have also been re-created by international users. French guitarist Arthur Uduh shared his cover version of the movie's theme song. Chinese martial arts enthusiast Jake Pinnick stepped up with his translation of a popular line from the movie, while Jack Criswell, an American English teacher in China, enthusiastically dubbed some highlight moments of the movie into English.‌‌

The positive reception of "Ne Zha 2" across various platforms reflects its impact on audiences in China and around the world. As discussions continue, the film's reception highlights the growing global interest in Chinese animated productions.