Ne Zha II
review by Bobby Blakey
In 2019 the first animated film in the Fengshen Cinematic Universe, Ne Zha hit theaters to much success and was followed by Jiang Ziya in 2021. Now the follow-up to Ne Zha is finally getting an official release in the US aptly titled Ne Zha II featuring the voices of Michelle Yeoh, Vincent Rodriguez III, Aleks Le, Damien Haas, and Crystal Lee from the original film’s director Yu Yang. Could this next chapter bring more to the legend, or will it fail to find its true power?
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Ne Zha II follows a great catastrophe, that saves the souls of Nezha and Aobing, 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.
I really loved both Ne Zha and Jiang Ziya, but was getting bummed that we didn’t seem to be getting any more chapters to the Fengshen Cinematic Universe. With the return of Ne Zha it goes without saying that I was stoked and ready to see it and I was not disappointed. The film not only captures the essence of the original film, it exceeds it in almost every way.
While I will usually tell people to watch the previous films before sequels, which you would think would be obvious, this film at least offers up a recap for those new to the adventure. It doesn’t give the impact of seeing the original film but at least gets you up to date. This new chapter goes all in with some the return of characters from the first film as well as some great new ones to deliver a powerful new story that kicks all kinds of butt.
The film is filled with plenty of laughs and action that is enhanced by not only the beautiful visuals of the brilliant animation, but the attention to detail in the world around them and the action itself. There are many times it feels like you are watching a true Wuxia film and well-choreographed fight sequences that would rival the best out there. Obviously, they are way over the top in the
execution and supernatural world we are inhabiting but that just makes it all the better.
The action is plentiful and the story packs a punch delving into finding yourself and deeper purpose while punching you in the gut at every turn. It is fun, but deeper than you might think, which enhances the experience to something more than just another kid’s film. Mixed with the amazing animation that is a visual treat for the senses filled with bright color palates that are contrasted by moments of darkness and bright whites. It is almost a visual overload of beauty from beginning to end to offer one of if not the best animated features of the year.
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I had no doubt I would love this film, but not as much as I did. I was fully immersed in this world and along for the ride in every way. Much like the original film, there are a couple of after credit scenes that promise a return to this universe, and it cannot come fast enough. Also note, you don’t really need to see Jiang Ziya for this film despite it taking place in the same universe, but please watch the first film before checking out this masterpiece.
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Witness the return to the Fengshen Cinematic Universe and check out Ne Zha II when it hits theaters on August 22nd from A24.
Be sure to also grab your copies of Ne Zha and Jiang Ziya available now on Blu-ray and DVD from Well Go USA.