China's animated juggernaut Ne Zha 2 has rewritten box office history, raking in 5.775 billion yuan ($792.86M) in just eight days – the fastest any film has claimed the title of the Chinese mainland's highest-grossing production. But beyond the headlines lies a story of innovation, patience, and painstaking craftsmanship.
Director Yang Yu (better known as 'Jiaozi') revealed the team spent nearly six years perfecting the film's visual poetry: 'The sea monsters' chains alone took 18 months to animate. We wanted them to feel both ancient and alive – like liquid metal dancing with gravity.'
Visual effects leads combined machine-learning algorithms with traditional keyframe animation, creating over 2,300 shots that blend myth with physics. One sequence required rendering 160,000 individual chain links in motion – a technical feat previously unseen in Chinese animation.
As streaming platforms clamor for international distribution rights, Ne Zha 2 proves homegrown stories can drive global excitement. With 84% of viewers under 35, it's also redefining who gets to shape cultural narratives in the world's largest film market.
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Behind the scenes of China's highest-grossing film 'Ne Zha 2'
cgtn.com
