You have never witnessed a movie quite like *Ne Zha II*. To be precise, you may have encountered several films that could remind you of *Ne Zha II*, each in its distinctive manner.

The follow-up to China’s 2019 blockbuster *Ne Zha* encompasses many aspects — notably being the highest-grossing animated feature ever, attributed to its overseas box office triumph earlier this year. While the first installment blended action, fantasy, and comedy, this sequel takes everything to an astonishing new height.

*Ne Zha II* is an action-packed feature, a grand fantasy tale, a martial-arts comedy, a coming-of-age narrative, and an animated spectacle, all rolled into one. Prepare to be amazed, as this sequel delivers more than you can envision — it even incorporates some genuinely frightening aspects that deem it somewhat unsuitable for younger viewers.

**Should you watch *Ne Zha* before diving into *Ne Zha II*?**

Writer/director Jiao Zi, who helmed both films, begins the sequel with a summary of the significant events from *Ne Zha*. However, that’s a considerable amount of vital information. If you’re not well-acquainted with the Chinese mythology that these films draw from, the initial voiceover may not suffice to keep you oriented during the film’s first hour. For example, the transformation of a pig into a set of flame-wielding wheels may leave you baffled, with no one showing any reaction.

Good news: *Ne Zha* is currently available for streaming on Peacock and Kanopy.

In broad outlines, *Ne Zha* centers on a young boy destined to inherit the abilities of the heavenly Spirit Pearl. However, treachery leads to Ne Zha being born with the abilities of the Spirit Pearl’s rival, the Demon Orb. This situation means the boy, born into a noble family, possesses demonic powers, which they feel they must conceal to avoid societal rejection.

On the other hand, the Spirit Pearl was linked to Ao Bing, the son of the Dragon King, whose lineage is bound by a formidable army of elevated immortals. The initial film narrates the tale of these two sons battling monsters, forming a friendship, and discovering their true heroic selves despite the world’s expectations due to their undercover Demon Orbs or cursed familial backgrounds. For a Western equivalent, think of *The Iron Giant* or this year’s *Superman*.

*Ne Zha II* resumes just moments after the climax of the first film, where Ne Zha and Ao Bing valorously utilize their combined powers, resulting in both becoming disembodied spirits in need of new vessels. The themes from the first film delve even deeper.

**What is *Ne Zha II* about?**

Rare magic is essential to recreate proper corporeal forms for both boys to continue their lives. Consequently, their parents become unexpected allies in a quest that requires Ne Zha, in a vulnerable form, to not only allow Ao Bing to share the same body — preventing his disappearance — but also to undergo a series of trials to obtain a magical serum that would restore the flower to reconstruct Ao Bing’s body. Got that? Essentially, their bond is tested as they must share Ne Zha’s body, transforming this into a sort of body-swap comedy during some action sequences. (*Freaky Friday* merges with *Shaolin Soccer*?)

But that’s not all.

A war is also looming between the grinning leader of the immortals and the dragons who are weary of being confined to lava pits. However, at its core, *Ne Zha II* focuses on two boys from contrasting backgrounds who share an extraordinary friendship. In *Ne Zha II*, they grapple with larger personal challenges, such as guilt and sorrow.

***Ne Zha II* is refreshingly thrilling and humorous.**

There are aspects here that will be recognizable to Western viewers. For one, Ne Zha’s mentor Master Taiyi, who is rotund and comical, mirrors Po from *Kung Fu Panda*. He even engages in antics alongside a side-eyed pig companion. Moreover, Ne Zha, brimming with demon energy that is closer to *Dennis the Menace* than *The Omen*, is an outstanding comedic character, whether he’s teasing his good-natured mentor or unwittingly turning a sacred fountain into a toilet.

In fact, this sequel has an abundance of gross-out humor. Alongside a captivating narrative of destiny and belief, *Ne Zha II* presents laugh-worthy jokes about urine, vomit, and more vomit. *Kung Fu Panda* pales in comparison.

In terms of action, Jiao Zi and his team of animators have created a whirlwind of battles. Some are hand-to-hand confrontations, involving martial arts practitioners who wield magic and shapeshift. Then there are the dragons. A relatively minor aspect of the first film, Ao Bing’s draconic father, uncles, and aunt now exhibit their full might, with each dragon warrior being a visual delight. And there’s even more. The challenges Ne Zha must face…