HONG KONG — The much-anticipated English-dubbed version of the Chinese animated blockbuster “Ne Zha II” has made its debut in the United States, showcasing a voice cast that features renowned actress Michelle Yeoh.
Opening in over 2,500 theaters across the country, this film is lauded as the world’s highest-grossing animated movie of all time and represents a growing trend of successful animations inspired by Asian culture, such as Netflix’s recent series “KPop Demon Hunters.”
“Ne Zha II” serves as a sequel to the popular film released in 2019, continuing the journey of Ne Zha, a child demigod who defies his inherent devilish nature.
He chooses instead to utilize his magical abilities and martial arts skills to protect humanity from dragons and other formidable adversaries.
Michelle Yeoh, a prominent Malaysian actor fluent in Mandarin, reflected on her initial experience watching the movie in Hong Kong.
She found the English subtitles difficult to follow during the film’s more stunning scenes and felt there was a need for an English-dubbed version.
Following her initial viewing, Yeoh received an opportunity to lend her voice to Lady Yin, Ne Zha’s mother, for the English version being distributed by A24, an independent film company recognized for acclaimed productions like “Moonlight” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
“Hell yes,” was Yeoh’s enthusiastic response to the offer, with her describing the movie as a beautiful medium to bridge cultural divides between East and West.
She noted that the themes of family, love, and the experience of being an outsider resonate universally.
Since its release in China earlier this year, “Ne Zha II” has shattered box office records, becoming the fifth-highest-grossing movie of all time, trailing only behind iconic films like James Cameron’s “Titanic.”
In February, it surpassed Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” as the highest-grossing animated film globally.
Remarkably, it stands as the first non-Hollywood film to cross the $2 billion mark in global earnings, primarily sourced from the Chinese box office.
Directed by Jiaozi, the film has sparked a surge of national pride in China, with state-run media like People’s Daily promoting its success as a reflection of a confident nation.
Numerous schools, state-owned companies, and government entities across China have organized group screenings of “Ne Zha II” to celebrate what is viewed as a milestone in Chinese animation.
Experts attribute the film’s success to the maturation of China’s animation industry and the government’s robust support for enhancing the nation’s soft power and cultural exports.
Zeng Hong, an assistant professor at Hong Kong Baptist University’s Academy of Film, mentioned that while the English-dubbed version may perform better in the U.S. than the earlier Chinese release, which earned around $20 million, the film’s appeal to international audiences may hinge more on its domestic acclaim rather than genuine interest in Chinese mythology.
She anticipates that some critics in the U.S. may label the film as propaganda, though many viewers might simply be drawn in by curiosity.
Kevin Ma, a well-known observer of the film industry in Hong Kong, acknowledged the additional challenges that “Ne Zha II” faces in this release.
In a streaming-dominated market, films may only retain public interest for a brief period before transitioning to digital platforms.
Despite its recent release, Ma noted that “Ne Zha II” could already feel like a fading memory in light of consumers’ shorter attention spans.
As the animation film continues to reach new audiences, the excitement surrounding its themes and cultural significance is palpable, making it a noteworthy addition to the cinematic landscape.
image source from：nbcnews
