Ne Zha (2019) [Movie Review]: A Review of the Chinese Animated Fantasy Adventure

Yu Yang’s Ne Zha reimagines a familiar figure from Chinese folklore as a high-energy, emotionally charged animated adventure. The film — written by Yu Yang, Yunyun Wei and Xixing Lu and featuring voice work from Yanting Lü, Joseph, Mo Han and others — turns a centuries-old legend into a modern parable about fear, fate and belonging. It’s a movie that dares to be darker and more morally ambiguous than many family-oriented animations, and that risk largely pays off.

Plot — Destiny, switched beads, and a child between worlds

Set in an ancient age, the story hinges on a supernatural accident: two powerful orbs—one of spirit, one of demon—are separated and then misallocated, unleashing chaos when the demonic essence is bound to a newborn. That child, Ne Zha, grows up as a terrifying force, restrained only by a magical collar. As villagers and gods anticipate a grim prophecy, the film follows Ne Zha’s violent impulses, his fractured relationships, and the slow, uneasy emergence of empathy. Parallel to him is Ao Bing, whose own obligations and tragic duty complicate the idea of who is truly monstrous. The screenplay gives enough twists to keep the audience guessing about who deserves blame and who deserves compassion.

Characters & Themes — Xenophobia, loneliness, and empathy

The heart of Ne Zha lies in its character work. Ne Zha is not a cartoon villain; he’s an ostracized kid with immense power and nowhere to belong. The film uses his story to examine how communities react to difference—how fear begets cruelty and how that cruelty can complete a cycle of violence. Ao Bing and other figures are textured rather than stereotyped, and even the film’s human antagonists mostly act out of panic and prejudice rather than pure malice. The result is a surprisingly mature take on themes of prejudice, fate, and choice.

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Animation & Visual Design — A technical and artistic high point

Visually, Ne Zha stands toe-to-toe with major Western studios. The production design balances mythic grandeur with approachable character models; landscapes and classical architecture are realized with lavish detail, and action sequences are cut with kinetic flair. Camera movement, inventive staging of combat, and expressive character animation create a striking, at-times cinematic experience that feels both epic and intimate.

Pacing & Tone — Patient setup, uncompromising stakes

At 110 minutes, the film allows its opening act to breathe: the origins of its conflicts are carefully established rather than rushed, which pays off in a weightier emotional core later on. The tone is not sentimental; the movie doesn’t soften the stakes for younger viewers, and its willingness to leave outcomes uncertain gives scenes real emotional charge. Some viewers might find the middle act a touch long, but the deliberate pacing reinforces the film’s interest in character development rather than easy spectacle.

Comparisons & Context — More thoughtful than mere imitation

If you’re familiar with Western films that imagine heroic figures turning dark, Ne Zha avoids the obvious traps of one-note villainy. It manages to be both thrilling and thoughtful — a rare blend that elevates it above derivative “superpowered child” stories.

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Verdict — A striking, thoughtful adaptation

Ne Zha is a visually stunning, thematically rich animation that treats myth with both reverence and fresh insight. It’s not without flaws — a lengthy runtime and occasional tonal swings — but its strengths in character, theme, and artistry make it a must-see for fans of animated cinema and mythic storytelling. For viewers open to a darker, more challenging family film, Ne Zha proves that Eastern animation has much to offer audiences worldwide.

Rating: ★★★⯪☆ (3.5/5)