LE MONDE's OPINION – WHY NOT

Ne Zha 2, directed by Yu Yang, is a sequel already making history: Propelled by its incredible success at the beginning of the year in China, it is already the most profitable animated film in history, with over $2 billion (€1.76 billion) in revenue. Ne Zha 2 is now the fifth most-watched film of all time at the global box office, behind Avatar 1 and 2 (2009, 2022), Avengers: Endgame (2019) and Titanic (1997). It is an unprecedented achievement for a non-Hollywood feature film.

This largesse is reflected in the film itself, which cost $80 million to make, though still far less than a Disney production. With its nearly two-and-a-half-hour runtime, vast cast of characters, exploration of mythology and epic battle scenes, Ne Zha 2 is more akin to Chinese blockbusters like the recent Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants by Tsui Hark or Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force, by Wuershan, rather than a Kung Fu Panda. For younger viewers, the film still offers some slapstick gags and witty remarks, along with a hero of their own age to identify with.

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