STORY: China's record-smashing "Ne Zha 2" integrates traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge animation techniques
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: Feb. 14, 2025
LENGTH: 00:01:54
LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of "Ne Zha 2"
2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): GE YI, Co-animation director of "Ne Zha 2"
3. various of "Ne Zha 2"

STORYLINE:

Animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" became the first Chinese film to gross 10 billion yuan (about 1.39 billion U.S. dollars).

The sequel continues the story of the iconic character Nezha, a rebellious boy-god from Chinese mythology.

Set after the events of the first film, it follows Nezha and Aobing as their souls are saved but their physical forms face dissolution.

With the help of the immortal Taiyi Zhenren, who uses the Seven-Colored Lotus to reconstruct their bodies, the two heroes must face numerous challenges.

The film's exploration of universal themes -- such as defiance in the face of power, the struggle against fate, and embracing self-confidence -- has struck a chord with viewers.

It has also captivated audiences with its breathtaking visuals, rich storytelling and deep cultural resonance.

With about 2,000 special effects shots and contributions from 138 animation studios, the film integrates traditional Chinese aesthetics with cutting-edge animation techniques.

SOUNDBITE (Chinese): GE YI, Co-animation director of "Ne Zha 2"
"We drew inspiration from actors' performances and styles in classic Chinese films, TV shows, and operas. To make sure the sea of clouds in the film could carry the charm that is often shown in traditional Chinese paintings, we referred a lot to Chinese landscape paintings and their color palette to fine-tune our colors."

The film is set to be screened in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Egypt, Singapore, Japan and the Republic of Korea, with premieres in Los Angeles and Sydney having received positive responses from professionals and fans alike.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Shanghai, China.
(XHTV)