BEIJING, Feb. 15 (Xinhuanet) – ‘Ne Zha 2,’ a new animated feature from China, has showcased the rapid advancement of the country's animation sector, achieving significant box office success and demonstrating high-quality visual artistry and storytelling.

Released during the Chinese New Year, ‘Ne Zha 2’ has made a notable impact on the international box office, becoming the first film to surpass 1 billion U.S. dollars in a single market and the first non-Hollywood title to enter this exclusive billion-dollar club.

As the film continues to attract audiences, it is recognized for its innovative animation and impressive visual effects.

With around 2,000 special effects shots and three times as many characters as its predecessor, ‘Ne Zha,’ the film features a production team of over 4,000 creators, setting new benchmarks in animation creativity and execution.

A significant advancement in technology utilized in the film is the self-developed dynamic ink-wash rendering engine, which captures the essence of traditional Chinese ink-wash painting.

This technique allows for real-time simulations of ink spreading on rice paper, marking a breakthrough in animators’ efforts to replicate traditional art forms digitally.

One particular scene, where the character Ao Bing swings a weapon, exemplifies this new technology; while it occurs in just 0.8 seconds on screen, it took nine months for the production team to perfect, showcasing the intricacy involved in achieving such visual fidelity.

The ink-wash effects not only enhance character movements but also add a nuanced depth to their expressions and surroundings.

According to Yang Yu, the director of ‘Ne Zha 2,’ the intent was to deliver a unique visual experience that diverges from traditional animations.

Visual Effects Supervisor Shi Chaoqun underscored the collaborative effort, noting that nearly 140 domestic animation companies contributed to the film, which included both established studios and smaller, specialized firms.

This collaborative approach illustrates the growing strength and interconnectedness of China's animation industry.

‘Ne Zha 2’ builds on the narrative foundation set by its predecessor, the 2019 hit ‘Ne Zha,’ both drawing inspiration from the classic 16th-century novel ‘The Investiture of the Gods.’ The sequel recounts the journey of its titular character and Ao Bing as they navigate challenges after their physical forms are put at risk.

The film combines elements of action, humor, and folklore, aiming to resonate emotionally with audiences.

In addition to its narrative and artistic accomplishments, the film has been recognized for its cultural significance.

The director emphasized the importance of integrating traditional Chinese culture into the animation process, combining it with contemporary artistic expressions.

The film incorporates various aspects of Chinese aesthetics, from visuals inspired by Dunhuang murals to soundtracks that harmonize the Peking Opera with modern electronic music.

Following its premiere, Hollywood producer Robert King remarked on the significant improvements in storytelling quality in Chinese cinema, highlighting the potential for further advancements in the sector.

As ‘Ne Zha 2’ sets new standards within the animation industry, it represents a critical evolution for Chinese cinema, moving from a history of outsourcing to developing original technologies and narratives.