Chinese Animated Blockbuster ‘Ne Zha 2’ to Premiere in Malaysia on Mar. 13
Film enthusiasts may have already heard of the new animated film currently dominating the charts, and guess what? You can soon catch it in movie theaters in Malaysia!
Cinema chain giants Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) and TGV Cinema just announced that the Chinese blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” will finally be released in Malaysia on Mar. 13.
The sequel to the 2019 blockbuster premiered on the first day of the Lunar New Year and shattered box office records when it surpassed US$1 billion in real-time earnings — officially dethroning Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” as the highest-grossing animated film of all time!
“Both critically and commercially, ‘Ne Zha 2’ has been a massive success!” GSC said in a post. “On 2025.3.13, head to the cinemas and experience Nezha’s fiery legend.”
About ‘Ne Zha 2’: Cultural Implications and Impact
Written and directed by Sichuan-born Chinese animator and producer Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi, the Ne Zha franchise follows Ne Zha and Ao Bing as they struggle against enemies after surviving the Heavenly Tribulation. The narrative of “Ne Zha 2” picks up from where the first film left off and is a mythological journey that weaves themes of friendship, destiny, and self-discovery.
Both films are based on the 16th-century Chinese classical novel “The Investiture of the Gods” and integrate numerous elements from Chinese mythology, which makes them appealing pieces of cultural artifacts for both local and international viewers.
Apart from its stunning animation quality and exciting storyline, “Ne Zha 2’s” success opened up opportunities for non-English language films. It marked a breakthrough in the internationalization of Chinese films, receiving high marks from critics and viewers alike. The film reportedly got an 8.2 rating on IMDb, with the US, Canada, and Australia giving the highest marks. Since its release in January, the film has grossed a total box office of 12.3 billion yuan (RM7.5 billion) in pre-sales and overseas earnings, making it the eighth-highest box office film worldwide, and the highest-grossing film in China.
Its massive success not only increased Chinese films’ exposure but also encouraged cultural exchange between China and other foreign countries. It contributed greatly to cultural diversity, showcasing the unique charm of Chinese culture to global audiences. The film also did a great job in reconstructing mythology to have a more modern take, using traditional elements and tales as metaphors to reflect social issues that enlighten the young generation in a fun and exciting way, and amping emotional resonance among its audience.
It goes without saying that “Ne Zha 2” has reshaped global cinema culture, expanding possibilities for non-English language films in the industry and adding new colors to global cultural diversity.
You can catch “Ne Zha 2” in a cinema near you on Mar. 13! Can’t wait till then? Why not join the advanced fan screening hosted by Encore Films Malaysia on Mar. 9? Schedules and tickets are already posted here.
Follow GSC on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for updates on screenings.
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