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San Francisco Chronicle​

‘Ne Zha 2' review: The record-breaking Chinese animated epic is a must-see in IMAX

A scene in "Ne Zah 2." A24 'Ne Zha 2' is a wild, subversive adventure and a work of astounding visual imagination. The Chinese epic has already raked in $2.2 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing non-English film and one of the top five films of all time — and now it's coming to the U.S. in IMAX. Fans of the first film, 'Ne Zha' (2019), might have been concerned a sequel couldn't match the seemingly endless inspiration in that blockbuster. But this follow up raises the bar. It's funnier, features amazing character designs and environments, and even has a greater emotional punch. The two movies, and 2020's 'Jiang Ziya,' are part of a growing cinematic universe based on the oft-adapted 16th century novel 'The Investiture of the Gods.' Ne Zha, a beloved figure in Chinese mythology is portrayed as a hilarious loose cannon here, but his journey toward self-realization is well-earned. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A scene from the Chinese animated film 'Ne Zha 2.' A24 The 2019 film is streamable, and the recommendation is to see it first — not only because it will explain a lot, but because it's really good, even if its grandeur is reduced on a small screen. More Information 'Ne Zha 2': Animated fantasy. Starring Michelle Yeoh, Crystal Lee, Rick Zieff. Written and directed by Jiao Zi. (Not rated. 144 minutes.) Dubbed into English from the original Mandarin. In theatres Friday, Aug. 22. In that film, we learn Ne Zha was supposed to be born to a noble human couple as the reincarnation of the divine Spirit Pearl. Through jealous machinations, however, he was born as the embodiment of the Demon Orb. That makes the boy a super-powered hellion, feared and despised by all but his human parents and mentor, Master Taiyi, despite his aspirations to heroism. Ne Zha eventually meets the actual reincarnation of the Spirit Pearl, Ao Bing, the magnificent son of the Dragon King. Though diametrically opposed, the boys join forces to prevent Ne Zha's prophesied death by heavenly lightning. Their efforts result in the destruction of both the Demon Orb and Spirit Pearl, though Master Taiyi preserves their spirit forms. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Master Taiyi (voiced by Rick Zieff), left, and Flying Pig in a scene in "Ne Zha 2." A24 'Ne Zha 2' begins with goofy attempts to craft physical forms for those spirits. Both Ne Zha (voiced by Crystal Lee) and Ao Bing (Aleks Le) become housed in Ne Zha's temporary physical body, setting up funny personality-switching gags. For instance, Ne Zha must sedate himself to conceal his demonic nature while Ao Bing's spirit uses his body to execute heavenly trials to win a permanent body of his own. Meanwhile, tension between the humans of Ne Zha's village and the dragons and sea creatures under the Dragon King's command threatens to erupt into all-out war. And that's just the setup. The visuals are never less than inspired. A boulder-like projectile breaks apart into armored crabs with bladed claws. Mystical fish transform into constellations that assemble into a magical crystal decanter. The multiple manifestations of a mountain demon, the incredibly detailed permutations of a tree dragon, a super-cute leopard boy and magic combat mixed with meticulously specific kung fu action — it all needs to be seen to be believed. The film's epic scale deserves big-screen treatment, making 'Ne Zha 2' ideal for IMAX. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The two Sheildos, voiced by Eric Bauza, in "Ne Zha 2." A24 Apart from Ne Zha's impudent antics, the clumsy fussiness of Master Taiyi (Rick Zieff) and a number of characters voiced by Eric Bauza (including two tiny-but-eager guardians), plus a riff on the 'Mirror, Mirror' scenario and deft physical comedy (especially in a hilarious mid-credits scene) provide ample humor. Then there's the great Michelle Yeoh, whose voice work as Ne Zha's mother, Lady Yin, is limited but effective in infusing some of the most touching moments in the film. Lady Yin, left, and Ne Zha in a scene from 'Ne Zha 2.' A24 'Ne Zha 2' surprisingly contains a sincere-feeling theme of individuality, of resisting what society commands a person to be rather than embracing their nature. The film is anti-establishment and anti-authoritarian, calling out leaders' hypocrisy — qualities you might not expect to appear in Chinese animated megahits. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Both films are written and directed by Jiao Zi (real name Yang Yu), who is reportedly developing a third installment. That is great news for fans of animation, and fans of inspired, imaginative, well-made movies.