Film Name: 我是哪吒2之英雄歸來 / I am NeZha 2
In this era of booming film markets, a relentless tide of movies floods the screens, leaving audiences overwhelmed. Yet behind this bustling spectacle lie some discordant notes. Recently, a film titled “I am NeZha 2” sparked a major controversy after being heavily criticized by China Central Television (CCTV), once again thrusting the topic of knockoff films into the public spotlight.
The “Original” vs. the ‘Counterfeit’
When it comes to animated films based on the Ne Zha myth, “Ne Zha” stands as an unparalleled benchmark. Released in 2019, this film took the industry by storm with its captivating storyline, vividly rendered characters, and breathtaking visual effects, raking in an astonishing 5 billion yuan at the box office and cementing its status as a landmark in Chinese animation. It boldly reimagined the traditional mythological figure, crafting a rebellious yet kind-hearted demon child with dark circles under his eyes, yearning for acceptance. His iconic cry, “My destiny is mine, not heaven’s,” resonated deeply with countless viewers, striking a universal chord. Its sequel, “Ne Zha 2,” is equally anticipated, with audiences eager to witness Ne Zha’s thrilling adventures continue on the big screen.
Now, regarding “I am NeZha 2,” the title prominently features “Ne Zha 2,” easily misleading audiences into believing it’s the official sequel to “Ne Zha.” Those who went to theaters to watch “I am NeZha 2” undoubtedly endured a “double torment for the eyes and soul.”
Character Modeling Disaster
The film’s character modeling is nothing short of a disaster. Characters appear stiff and lifeless, with Ne Zha’s face resembling a haphazardly assembled doll. His expressions are wooden, and his movements mechanical and jerky, lacking any sense of fluidity. Ao Bing’s design is particularly jarring, featuring awkwardly pronounced muscles that starkly contrast with his traditionally depicted jade-like, gentle appearance in mythological lore.
Rough Visual Effects
The visual effects offer no redeeming qualities. The combat sequences look like they were made a decade ago, with flames appearing as crude red blocks and explosions executed half-heartedly, lacking any visual impact. In an era of rapidly advancing VFX technology, such shoddy work is an outright insult to the audience’s eyes.
Chaotic Plot
The plot is the film’s most disastrous aspect, riddled with nonsensical logic. One moment Nezha is bravely confronting evil forces, the next he suddenly becomes timid and cowardly. The character’s inconsistent personality leaves viewers utterly confused. The Eastern Sea Dragon Clan’s backstory is riddled with plot holes, while the main antagonist Yech’a’s scheme is inexplicable, with unclear motives and disjointed plot development. It feels like a collection of unrelated fragments forcibly stitched together.
Behind the Knockoff Films
The emergence of knockoff films like “I am NeZha 2” is no accident but the result of multiple intertwined factors. From the studios’ perspective, profit-seeking is the fundamental reason behind producing such knockoffs. In their eyes, cashing in on popular IPs quickly attracts audiences and generates box office revenue far more easily than investing effort into creating an original film. This short-sighted approach severely undermines the innovative spirit of the film industry, leaving genuinely creative and talented filmmakers struggling to receive the recognition they deserve.
In summary, “I am NeZha 2” is undeniably a disaster, with its character modeling, special effects, and plot all falling woefully short. It is hoped that such knockoff films will prompt reflection and caution within the film market, allowing more audiences to experience truly high-quality cinematic works.
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