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Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Chinese film 'Ne Zha 2' is a lesson in resilience and beautiful animation
There's just something about an underdog story that works. It'll always begin in cringe fashion, of course, seeing someone being bullied by the world. But seeing them rise above the criticism, finding that kernel of truth that steadies them and lets them take on the naysayers and win, that is worth the wait. Like in Ne Zha 2, a sequel to the 2019 movie Ne Zha that has been in the making for many years. In this chapter, demon orb reincarnate Nezha and his best friend, Ao Bing (spirit orb incarnate) are suffering the effects of their previous battle and trying to rebuild their bodies using the power of the sacred lotus. Of course, things go wrong and now Nezha 2.0 (Nezha's body, shared by his and Ao Bing's spirit) must embark on a mission to retrieve a potion that will give the spell a second chance. They have a seven-day deadline in which to win this drink. While they are away – and undergoing their own trials to get this potion – their home, Chengtang Pass, is being held hostage by Ao Bing's father. Who also happens to be the jailor of a purgatory holding three vicious dragons dying (and scheming) to get out. And, of course, there's an ancient evil that no one saw coming who will make its presence known. In true Shonen-style storytelling – think Naruto, Ichigo in Bleach – there's plenty of fighting, comic storytelling, and themes of friendship that overcomes all odds. Oh, and self-improvement; epigenetics always wins in this scenario. Ne Zha has been brought up with love, affection, and parents who believe in being morally right. So, no matter the obstacle he faces and what his knee-jerk reaction is as the demon orb (kill everyone), he will overcome his own baser instincts and be victorious. The movie is based on the ancient Chinese book The Investiture of the Gods, and has been animated in stunning style over a period of five years, according to the Shenzhen Government Online, by more than 4,000 dedicated animators who worked on 1,948 special effects shots. Some 138 Chinese animation companies worked on the project, and it shows. Even during the most terrifying of moments on the big screen, you can't ignore the beauty of the illustrations. There's also a moment of transformation, when Nezha absorbs a tonne of power – leading to a Dragon Ball Guku-like transformation, complete with long, floating hair. Be warned though, while there is some slapstick comedy and some heart-rending moments, there are also some instances of scatological humour – if you have a sensitive stomach, you may want to be prepared with a paper bag (you know, just in case). All-in-all though, the tale of grit and the power of family (and logic) is not just entertaining, it also asks you how you want to live your life and pushes the idea that while it may be tough to be true to yourself, it is the only way to be.
The Star
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Michelle Yeoh to voice the English version of Chinese blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2'
Michelle Yeoh (left) will voice Nezha's mother in the English version of the blockbuster. Photos: Michelle Yeoh/Instagram, Handout An English-language version of the Chinese movie Ne Zha 2 (2025), which has surpassed Pixar's Inside Out 2 (2024) as the highest-grossing animated feature of all time, will be released in the United States in August. Ne Zha 2 , which is based loosely on Chinese mythology and a famous 16th-century novel, has made US$2.2bil at the global box office, including US$20mil in the United States and Canada, according to A24, which is distributing the English version. That is more than any other animated film when not accounting for inflation; Inside Out 2 made US$1.7bil in 2024. The English version will open on Aug 22 and feature the voice of Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian star to win Best Actress at the Academy Awards for her role in Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022). Yeoh, 62, will voice Nezha's mother. The movie will also feature voice actors Aleks Le and Crystal Lee as well as Filipino-American actor Vincent Rodriguez III. In the original Ne Zha, which earned US$726mil worldwide when it was released in 2019, Nezha is born as the reincarnation of a demon with supernatural powers who is destined to live only three years. He fights back against his fate and saves his village. In the sequel, also written and directed by Chinese film-maker Yang Yu, Nezha challenges the political order and authority governing gods and demons, fighting the Dragon King of Four Seas and other creatures. The sequel was released in China on Jan 29 and quickly became a smash hit, earning more than US$1bil in ticket sales in less than two weeks. Ne Zha 2 was the first non-Hollywood film to reach that milestone. Yeoh, who also plays Madame Morrible in the Wicked movies (2024 and 2025), said in a statement that she was honoured to be part of Ne Zha 2, calling it a 'landmark in Chinese animation and a powerful reminder of how universal our stories can be'. 'I can't wait for everyone to experience the wonder, heart, spectacular artistry and magic of this film on the big screen,' she said. The success of Ne Zha 2 has been good news for the Chinese film industry, which was struggling with poor ticket sales amid a weakening economy. The recent films to break through in China have not been the typical Hollywood blockbuster, but domestic features with patriotic themes or those that showcase traditional Chinese culture or folklore. – ©2025 The New York Times Company
Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Ne Zha 2, blockbuster Chinese animated film, will get English version
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Ne Zha 2, which is based loosely on Chinese mythology and a famous 16th-century novel, has made S$2.8 billion at the global box office. NEW YORK - An English-language version of the Chinese movie Ne Zha 2 (2025), which has surpassed Pixar's Inside Out 2 (2024) as the highest-grossing animated feature of all time, will be released in the United States in August. Ne Zha 2, which is based loosely on Chinese mythology and a famous 16th-century novel, has made US$2.2 billion (S$2.8 billion) at the global box office, including US$20 million in the United States and Canada, according to A24, which is distributing the English version. That is more than any other animated film when not accounting for inflation; Inside Out 2 made US$1.7 billion in 2024. The English version will open on Aug 22 and feature the voice of Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian star to win Best Actress at the Academy Awards for her role in Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022). Yeoh, 62, will voice Nezha's mother. The movie will also feature voice actors Aleks Le and Crystal Lee as well as Filipino-American actor Vincent Rodriguez III. In the original Ne Zha, which earned US$726 million worldwide when it was released in 2019, Nezha is born as the reincarnation of a demon with supernatural powers who is destined to live only three years. He fights back against his fate and saves his village. In the sequel, also written and directed by Chinese film-maker Yang Yu, Nezha challenges the political order and authority governing gods and demons, fighting the Dragon King of Four Seas and other creatures. The sequel was released in China on Jan 29 and quickly became a smash hit, earning more than US$1 billion in ticket sales in less than two weeks. Ne Zha 2 was the first non-Hollywood film to reach that milestone. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties World Trump's ambassador nominee to Singapore Anjani Sinha has a rough day at Senate hearing Asia Dr Mahathir at 100: Still haunted by the Malay Dilemma Singapore What's next for PSP following its post-GE leadership shake-up? Singapore NDP 2025: Diamond formations, 'multi-axis' fly-past to headline parade's aerial display Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Singapore HDB flats less attainable in 2024 compared with 2022: Report Singapore Apex court upholds SMC's punishment of doctor who gave patients unlicensed hormones Yeoh, who also plays Madame Morrible in the Wicked movies (2024 and 2025), said in a statement that she was honoured to be part of Ne Zha 2, calling it a 'landmark in Chinese animation and a powerful reminder of how universal our stories can be'. 'I can't wait for everyone to experience the wonder, heart, spectacular artistry and magic of this film on the big screen,' she said. The success of Ne Zha 2 has been good news for the Chinese film industry, which was struggling with poor ticket sales amid a weakening economy. The recent films to break through in China have not been the typical Hollywood blockbuster, but domestic features with patriotic themes or those that showcase traditional Chinese culture or folklore. NYTIMES
Borneo Post
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Ne Zha, DeepSeek, Labubu, Su Super League: Icons of 2025 reveal China's cultural, creative pulse
A resident takes photos of a Labubu toy at the Taipa exhibition area of 'POP MART MACAO CITYWALK' in Macao on June 6, 2025. – Xinhua photo BEIJING (June 27): In the first half of 2025, China's cultural landscape has been energised by a striking confluence of creativity, confidence and a renewed sense of identity. From box office records and AI innovation to collectible toys and grassroots football tournaments, a diverse set of new icons is speaking volumes about how cultural relevance is being redefined in the China of today, according to observers. The runaway success of animated fantasy epic 'Ne Zha 2' has perhaps grabbed the most headlines. Released during the Chinese New Year, it quickly broke multiple records, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time in China in just eight days, then the top-grossing film in any single market, and eventually the world's highest-grossing animated movie. It went on to surpass US$2 billion in earnings, entering the ranks of the five highest-grossing films in global box office history. 'Ne Zha 2' retells the myth of the rebellious boy-god Nezha, a tale deeply rooted in Chinese folklore. Yet its appeal transcends cultural boundaries, thanks to a modern narrative that explores fate, prejudice and personal transformation. The film resonates with younger audiences grappling with pressure and identity, as well as older viewers seeking emotional catharsis. 'It reminded me that my potential is limitless,' one teenage fan said. The film is also a technical marvel, boasting nearly 2,000 special effects shots and input from more than 130 animation studios. The production highlights the growing scale and sophistication of China's animation industry. Its global release – across North America, Europe and Southeast Asia – underscores its appeal as a culturally distinctive, non-Hollywood story. While 'Ne Zha 2' pays tribute to the past, DeepSeek looks to the future. Developed by a Hangzhou-based startup, this open-source large language model has made waves in the global AI community by rivaling its top Western counterparts, despite being trained on fewer computing resources. Unveiled at this year's World Economic Forum, DeepSeek-R1, the company's then latest model, quickly topped Apple's free app charts, even surpassing OpenAI's ChatGPT in popularity. 'DeepSeek's rise underscores China's resolve to forge its own path in the field of tech, particularly amid US restrictions on chip exports,' said Ming Jinwei, a Beijing-based commentator and widely followed blogger. More than just a technological feat, DeepSeek signals a cultural shift in how AI is developed and shared. While OpenAI began as an open-source initiative before shifting to a closed model, DeepSeek has deliberately chosen another route. 'We won't choose closed-source,' founder Liang Wenfeng said, stressing that building a robust technological ecosystem – one that invites collaboration and innovation – is the priority. A man walks past a screen showing a poster of the Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 before a preview screening at the BFI IMAX theater in London on March 14, 2025. – Xinhua photo Meanwhile, in a very different realm of culture, Labubu – the snaggle-toothed, wide-eyed toy figure created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung – has become an unlikely global ambassador for China's creative industries. Marketed by Chinese collectibles giant Pop Mart, the gothic-cute character blends Nordic folklore with East Asian aesthetics and has captivated Gen-Z collectors from Paris to Bangkok. A mint-green Labubu figurine recently sold for over 1 million yuan (about US$139,000) at a Beijing auction, underlining the toy's cult status. More importantly, Labubu is part of a broader story: rebranding the 'Made in China' label from manufacturing to imagination. Pop Mart's global footprint illustrates the country's growing ability to export cultural intellectual property, not just consumer goods. In a time of rising geopolitical tensions, the charm of Labubu reminds the world that Chinese creativity, too, can be intimate, idiosyncratic, and incontrovertibly cool. Completing this quartet of cultural landmarks is a surprising phenomenon: the Su Super League, a provincial amateur football tournament in east China's Jiangsu Province. Despite featuring mainly amateur players – more than 65 per cent of whom have day jobs – the league has attracted remarkable public attention. Attendance figures have rivaled professional leagues, and related content has amassed 4.98 billion views on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, as of June 18. Running from May to November with 13 city-based teams, the league is a grassroots celebration of local identity. Regional dialects, cuisines and customs all find expression in match-day festivities. Including elements ranging from Yangzhou's art of paper-cutting to Wuxi's laser light shows, matches are as much cultural events as they are athletic contests. The league's community-driven ethos has struck a chord. Originally priced at just 5 to 20 yuan, some tickets have been resold for as much as 620 yuan, reflecting the league's surging popularity. Some cities have bundled match access with tourism packages, transforming football fervor into a local-economy driver. Summed up neatly in the words of one fan: 'I came for football and received a gift from the whole city.' Taken together, these phenomena across cinema, tech, design and sport reveal an increasingly confident China that is telling its own stories in its own way, according to Shi Anbin, director of the Israel Epstein Center for Global Media and Communication at Tsinghua University. 'These four new icons of Chinese culture and creativity are not the result of top-down, state-led campaigns, but rather a dynamic expression of a nation that is becoming more diverse, imaginative and outward-looking.' In a world grappling with polarisation and fragmentation, China is offering something different: a synthesis of tradition and modernity, and a dialogue between local creativity and global engagement. Whether it's delivered on screen, in code, on the pitch or in a toy box, China's cultural and creative pulse is unmistakable – and the world is listening. – Xinhua China DeepSeek icons Labubu Ne Zha Su Super League Xinhua
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
5 best demons to recruit early in Raidou Remastered The Mystery Of The Soulless Army
(Image via Sega) Just started Raidou Remastered and feeling overwhelmed by the 100+ demons roaming around? Don't stress. If you're looking for a killer early-game team that will win you battles give you a lot of hype, then we've got your back. Here are the 5 best demons to recruit early that'll help you crush it in both combat and exploration. 1. Orthus Orthus is that early-game MVP. This flaming two-headed doggo is a menace in battle, combining beefy physical hits with fire magic. And thanks to its Fire Boost passive, it deals even more heat-based damage. Orthus also comes with the Ignite Investigation Skill, letting you interact with NPCs and hidden elements you'd otherwise miss. How to get it : Fuse Mermaid (Agathion + Poltergeist) with Ippon-Datara. It takes a little effort, but trust—it's totally worth it. 3 Early Game Demon Builds - Full Fusion Guide | Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army 2. Koropokkur Need a quick getaway or stealthy scout? Koropokkur is your tiny leaf-wearing gremlin of choice. It's got solid electric magic and can be upgraded with fire and wind via fusion. But its real flex? Fast Escape—super useful when you're outmatched. Plus, Inspect and Sneak help during field exploration. How to get it : Fuse Poltergeist (Daidouji Residence basement) + Ukobach (Tsukudo-cho) 3. Nezha Don't let the creepy doll vibes fool you—Nezha hits like a truck. With insane physical stats and access to wind, fire, and lightning spells, Nezha is your go-to for mixed combat. It's passive, Sink or Swim, boosts crits, and its Use Force field skill lets you avoid unwanted fights (but still grab the XP and loot). How to get it : Fuse Agathion (Tsukudo-cho) + Jack-o'-Lantern (Daidouji Residence basement). 4. Neko Shogun This samurai cat isn't just cute—it's tactical AF. Neko Shogun shines in support roles with elemental magic variety (fire, wind, lightning) and the Halve Mind passive that saves you MP. On the field, its Use Force skill lets you clear mobs without even fighting—talk about working smarter. How to get it : Fuse Agathion + Ukobach (both in Tsukudo-cho). Raidou Remastered – How to Fuse All Demons (+ Commentary) | Unbound Summoner Trophy Guide 5. Pagan Pagan is basically the walking definition of 'don't judge a book by its cover.' Sure, it looks like Gumby's evil twin, but with Loose Change as a passive, you'll rake in extra yen constantly. Bonus: its Read Mind skill is essential during many story segments. It's also got a good mix of wind, ice, and lightning spells. How to get it : Fuse Agathion + Azumi (both in Tsukudo-cho). Whether you're grinding enemies, exploring Tokyo, or just trying not to get wrecked in a tough fight, these five demons are the best early-game allies in Raidou Remastered . Prioritize fusing them early and thank us later when you're steamrolling bosses while stacking yen on the side. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
