Chinese film stirs national pride, rakes in $1bn in days

The animated film Ne Zha 2 has become a significant source of national pride for many people in China. This movie tells the story of a young boy who uses his magical abilities to fight against demons. It has achieved remarkable success, becoming the highest-grossing film in China by earning over 8 billion yuan, which is approximately 1. 1 billion dollars, during the week-long Lunar New Year holiday. This impressive figure surpasses the previous record held by a 2021 film about the Korean War, which made around 900 million dollars. Ne Zha 2 is being celebrated as a symbol of progress in the Chinese film industry, which has historically lagged behind Hollywood despite having a large domestic audience. Following its success in China, Ne Zha 2 is set to be released in international markets, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, allowing more viewers to experience the film. Many Chinese audiences see Ne Zha 2 as evidence that locally-produced films are becoming competitive on a global scale. One review on IMDB highlights that the film not only showcases the impressive growth of Chinese animation but also illustrates the endless possibilities of traditional Chinese mythology in a modern setting. There are hopes that Ne Zha 2 could earn an additional 1 billion dollars and potentially surpass the all-time highest-grossing film, Avatar, which was released in 2009. A comment on Weibo expressed the sentiment that it is now up to the Chinese people living abroad to support the film. During the Lunar New Year celebrations, movie ticket sales in China typically see a significant increase, and this year, Chinese films collectively earned 1. 3 billion dollars during the holiday period. This surge in box office revenue reflects a rise in consumer spending, which is something that Chinese authorities have been eager to see. In addition to setting a new box office record in China, Ne Zha 2 is also the first film to cross the 1 billion dollar mark in a single market, according to Deadline, a Hollywood publication. The film has received acclaim for its engaging script and stunning visual effects. Merchandise featuring the characters from the movie has been flying off the shelves as fans flock to theaters. Ne Zha 2 builds on the success of the original Ne Zha film released in 2019, which grossed over 725 million dollars and ranks as China's fifth highest-grossing film of all time. This trend indicates that Chinese films are gaining popularity and success, with Ne Zha 2 playing a crucial role in this positive shift.