Ne Zha 2
Ne Zha 2 is playing in theaters at the time of writing. Not rated. Common Sense says 13+.
After a great catastrophe, the souls of Nezha and Aobing are saved, but their bodies face ruin. To give them new life, Taiyi Zhenren turns to the mystical seven-colored lotus in a daring bid to rebuild them and change their fate.
STORY: B-
There’s a lot going on. A lot.
The large number of characters, the vast amounts of worlds, and the many mentions of myths add up to a lot of overwhelm.
Once I gave up fretting over every detail, all of the force and fun teeming within the story began to flow like a river. Not knowing everything that was happening wound up being not only enough, but a joy.
PEOPLE: B
Take two.
Fire and water. Good and evil. Finesse and flatulence. Every character contains their own, unique duality.
This fills each character with a depth that permeates every other aspect of the movie. The duality makes the film feel like a full meal, not just an appetizer.
FILM NERD STUFF: A
The artists imagine a mammoth and magnificent world.
I watched the film in 3D and got to see the trailer for the next Avatar movie, which looks mighty impressive.
Yet I was shocked to find myself more impressed with Ne Zha’s world. It contains far more depth and substance than Avatar’s. Its ancient, animated realms feel far more real than the Navi’s universe.
Sure, “real” isn’t the most accurate word one could use to describe a world where magical swords tear open the sky for lava demons to leap out and ransack a fortress. But the artists’ prodigious skill makes you believe that somewhere, at some time, this world might actually exist.
ONE BIG LESSON: B
Age is only a number.
A few of the film’s plot points revolve around the concept of immortality. Living forever is a pretty common wish, but the movie asks us to rethink whether it’s a goal worth going after.
What’s more important? The amount of years we live, or the way we choose to live the years we get?
As always, watch the movie (or not), and discuss!
FINAL COMMENTS:
Ne Zha 2 is a film bursting with ideas and imagination. At times, it can feel like too much of a good thing, but once you surrender to the film’s vibrant, vivacious vibe you’ll find yourself more than happy to ride along.