“Ne Zha 2” currently the highest grossing animated film of all time – also the first Chinese, non-Hollywood film to earn more than 2 billion dollars in the box office – is now in local cinemas.
We caught it recently at Fisher Mall in Quezon City courtesy of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), as led by its president, Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro, and suffice it to say, the success is well-deserved.
The film, although a tad too long for an animated feature, was well-crafted.
And we’re not just talking about the colorful animation inherent to the film, which is actually quite the spectacle.
The story itself is quite moving, touching on universal themes, including parental love and family.
More than anything, “Ne Zha 2” proved that premium animation is no longer exclusive to Hollywood.
“Nezha 2” follows the events of the first film, with Master Taiyi trying to reconstruct Ne Zha and Ao Bing’s bodies which were destroyed by heavenly lightning.
As they regain their strength, the realm is put in peril as Ao Bing’s dad swears revenge for what the human world did to his son.
The mythology seems alien but familiar at the same time.
The name of the heroes may be different than ours but the conflicts, the ideologies, beliefs are very much the same as evidenced in some local epics like Bantugan and Biag Ni Lam-ang.
The FFCCCII did good hosting the screening even as they continue to highlight the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration of PH-Chinese relations on June 9.
Said Dr. Pedro, “This is more than a movie screening—it is a celebration of our friendship. Ne Zha’s journey teaches us that with courage and determination, we can overcome any obstacle. Just as this film has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, we too can rise and succeed together.”
“Ne Zha 2, the world’s number one box office animation and the 6th highest-grossing film of all time, is a triumph not just for China, but for all of Asia. Its universal themes of courage, family, and overcoming adversity resonate deeply with Filipino values.”
“The success of this film should inspire us in the Philippines and across our region to embrace our own stories, amplify our creativity, and prove that Asian narratives can captivate the world.”
