One of the biggest releases in animation has reached the Indian shores. The film is the second installment in its series title Ne Zha. Set in a fantasy world, it follows a spirit core and demon core that have been born into children and have to go on long tendinous journey to discover themselves. The sequel explores their story as they have already been accepted by their surrounding but still have more inner acceptable to go through.
Ne Zha 2 begins with both Ne Zha and Ao Bing getting their own bodies from the gifted seven coloured lotus. However, before Ao’s body is able to take full form he is forced to use his powers to defend Chentang Pass from his father’s wrath. Ne Zha promises to bring back an elixir to revive the lotus and make a new body for him. But his demon core would not let him enter the spirit world to win the elixir in a competition. Ne Zha and Ao Bing then decide to share their bodies to win the elixir.
On the other hand, Ao Bing’s father takes a vow to destroy the Chentang Pass and everyone in it including Ne Zha’s family, army and villagers. The film for a run time of 144 minutes explores the different tests they have to go through, and the different villains they have to face including their own emotions to truly find themselves. While the animation is the biggest plus point of the film, the plot and the comic timing keep you hooked when the film feels too long.
After a very long time, the film brings forth a 3D that run throughout the film, instead of just few scenes with the grass and debris flying in the air. Ne Zha is built on the action sequences and the 3D is much fun on the often well done action scenes. The film’s comic timing also lands despite the language different, since the humor is pretty basic. The biggest complaint of the audience during the first trailer drop in 2017 was about the unique character design of the Ne Zha, but as the story progressed it became more enduring, and the same can be said with the sequel.
The sequel is longer than the first film and does drag on the whodunit part of the story, with more villains popping up, but the humour keeps the plots from feeling repetitive. The animals and the easy to follow story is bound to keep the kids engaged, while the deeper story about love and identity is more from the grown audience. The bright colors and caricature’s behaviour feels silly at first but the writing often compliments their traits, adding charm to the story.
SEE ALSO: Paddington In Peru Review: The Marmalade Obsessed Bear Returns With A Wholesome Family Story
Overall, Ne Zha 2 has a high re-watch value and will appeal to a large range of audience, once they get past the unique visuals of the main character.
Cover artwork by Patrick Gawande/Mashable India
