Nationalism and Pride Surrounding the Success of Ne Zha 2

“Ne Zha 2” has become the highest-grossing animated film in history, provoking nationalist sentiments among Chinese audiences. This success comes alongside a rivalry with the underperforming “Captain America: Brave New World,” triggering discussions about domestic versus foreign cinema. The film’s triumph in China suggests a shift in cultural dynamics and competitive positioning in the film industry.

The animated film “Ne Zha 2” has recently achieved remarkable success, becoming the world’s highest-grossing animated film with box office earnings of 12.3 billion yuan ($1.7 billion). This achievement has ignited a wave of national pride among Chinese audiences, who celebrate the film as a significant milestone for domestic cinema.

As fans express their enthusiasm for “Ne Zha 2,” they are also critical of its detractors, labeling them as clout-chasers and paid haters. The film’s success has set it against the backdrop of international competitors, particularly the recently released “Captain America: Brave New World,” which is now viewed as a rival by Chinese audiences.

Popular sentiments on social media include statements such as, “I do not care if Ne Zha 2 can survive overseas, but Captain America 4 must die in China,” reflecting a strong desire for local productions to dominate. Discussions in various forums express disdain for the American film’s performance in China, emphasizing a narrative that views the lack of appeal as indicative of larger issues within American culture.

In an extreme display of support, one cinema has even postponed the screening of “Captain America 4” to prioritize “Ne Zha 2.” Meanwhile, fans lament the lack of screenings for “Ne Zha 2” in North America, claiming that American theaters prefer to showcase other films instead.

Debuting on January 29, “Ne Zha 2” quickly surpassed the $1 billion mark, a remarkable feat given the current economic climate in China. The film is celebrated as a symbol of progress in the Chinese film industry, challenging Hollywood’s historical dominance within the market and hinting at rising global competitiveness for local productions.

Previous successful Chinese films have often contained patriotic themes, a trend bolstered by the significant revenue rise of “Ne Zha 2.” While many domestic films typically receive substantial support within China, over 99% of this film’s earnings have come from its homeland, highlighting its role in fostering nationalist sentiments.

Social media engagement surrounding “Ne Zha 2” has led to instances of criticism being met with hostility, where dissenters are accused of being unpatriotic. Some users report feeling the pressure to conform, as expressed by one individual commenting about the backlash for not watching the film.

Despite the film’s accolades, criticisms targeting aspects such as plot coherence and humor have been dismissed as unfounded by supportive fans. These vocal defenders argue that negative feedback stems from malicious intent, claiming connections to jealousy among competing film industry members.

“Ne Zha 2” not only celebrates Chinese mythology but has also garnered positive attention for its animation quality and special effects. However, the surge of nationalism surrounding the film is prompting discussions about the potential implications for cultural discourse, raising some concerns about the prevailing attitude within the film community.

Reflecting on these developments, one post comments, “Ne Zha 2 has become a cultural phenomenon, but I do not think this is entirely a good thing.” This perspective highlights fears that true discourse is being overshadowed by a polarized environment fueling fan rivalries rather than substantive conversation about the film itself.

In conclusion, “Ne Zha 2” represents a significant achievement for the Chinese film industry, fostering national pride and competition against international blockbusters. However, the film’s reception has been complicated by rising nationalism, with fans disparaging critics and polarizing discussions surrounding domestic and foreign cinema. As the film continues to break records, it raises questions about the implications of cultural narratives in the context of film appreciation and discussion.

Original Source: www.bbc.com