The animated sequel Nezha 2 has ignited the domestic cinema market during the 2025 Spring Festival, soaring as the highest-grossing film in China’s box office history.

Fan Ni, a professor at Liaoning University, remarked that this animated feature boldly portrayed an “ugly Ne Zha” with black-ringed eyes, hip pants and a slightly jiggling tummy. This Ne Zha is further depicted as a rebellious boy who likes to walk with hands in his pockets and a straw in his mouth, with a sense of insolence. Beneath the appearance of “demon” and “evil”, the use of ironical lines, cynical expressions, bleak tones and mischievous behaviors all serve to reveal his desire for love and understanding.

The animated film narrates a story about family affection, friendship and self-realization in the face of destiny. When later Ne Zha transforms into a heroic fighter with superpowers and “three heads and six arms” to save the Chentang Town’s villagers, Ne Zha’s image from Uproar in Heaven and Ne Zha Conquers the Dragon King has evolved from the traditional and formulaic definition of a god who is ruthless and omnipotent towards a boy hero with true and vibrant emotions who longs to be understood and loved.