The Chinese animated sequel 'Ne Zha 2' is rewriting global cinema rules, debuting to rave reviews in Australia and New Zealand this week. Audiences reported tears, laughter, and a rare cultural connection as the mythological hero's journey unfolded on screens—proving animation can bridge continents.
Building on its predecessor's 2019 success (5B yuan/$730M gross), the film became the first non-Hollywood title to hit $1B in a single market during its Lunar New Year release in the Chinese mainland. Its cross-cultural appeal combines cutting-edge CGI with ancient folklore—a formula attracting global streamers seeking fresh IP.
For digital nomads and creatives, the release highlights China's rising soft power: 63% of surveyed viewers in Sydney called it \"visually unmatched,\" while Wellington theaters added midnight screenings to meet demand. With whispers of Oscar buzz, 'Ne Zha 2' might reshape how the world consumes Eastern storytelling.
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Chinese blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2' wows audiences in Australia, NZ
cgtn.com
