Short Summary
Ne Zha (2019) is a groundbreaking Chinese animated fantasy film that reimagines the mythological tale of Ne Zha, a rebellious demon child destined to bring chaos. Born with a cursed fate, Ne Zha defies his destiny with the help of his mentor, Taiyi Zhenren, while battling prejudice and supernatural threats. The film blends stunning animation, humor, and emotional depth, becoming China’s highest-grossing animated movie at its release.
Cast (Chinese Voice Actors)
- Yang Yu as Ne Zha (child)
- Lü Yanting as Ne Zha (teen)
- Han Mo as Ao Bing (Dragon Prince)
- Chen Hao as Taiyi Zhenren (Ne Zha’s mentor)
- Lü Qi as Li Jing (Ne Zha’s father)
Ratings
- IMDb: 7.4/10
- Douban (Chinese platform): 8.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90% (Audience Score)
Release Date
July 26, 2019 (China) / August 29, 2019 (Limited US Release)
Should I Watch This?
Absolutely. Ne Zha offers:
- Visually stunning animation (mix of 3D and traditional styles)
- Fresh take on Chinese mythology with modern themes of fate vs. free will
- Humor and heart—balances action with emotional family dynamics
Ideal for fans of Kung Fu Panda or Spider-Verse-level animation innovation.
