New Gods: Nezha Reborn

300th Review!

It's very fascinating watching countries like China recently making a stance in the ever competitive animation cinema field against juggernauts like America. With how dominant American studios like Disney, Dreamworks can get in their global appeal, there's a hidden itch for international competitors such as Ireland's Cartoon Saloon to come out of nowhere with their own heavy hitters like Wolfwalkers. China has emerged these past couple of years (likely having seen Dreamworks treat Chinese culture with respect in the Kung Fu Panda films) with their production companies tackle folklore subject matter. This brings us to a new effort in that rein, New Gods: Nezha Reborn, which is based on the Ming Dynasty novel Investiture of the Gods. It should be mentioned that I reviewed another Nezha film a few years back in theaters but it's unconnected this adaptation since they are from different Chinese productions. After watching it on Netflix, I enjoyed as it shares the same pros and cons of that other Nezha movie.

Note: I watched this in the English sub version, not the English dub so that's what's being reviewed.

 

What's it about? Taking place in steampunk city environment, the story follows dangers facing a biker who discovers he's a reincarnation of a deity. The animation is definitely a strong aspect going in this narratives favor between the character designs as well as the cool action sequences. A focus on the narrative is regarding how perceptions from actions taken with best intentions can often lead to critical judgement from those around you. There's a fair amount of intrigue with the lore that's introduced to help with the world building. It's not even shy about wanting to expand on this material with its end credits scenes (the subtitles literally tell the viewers to stay tuned for them.

For all that it gets right, however, there are writing problems holding it back from being great. The characters don't have anything interesting or that compelling beyond their standard archetypes. The main protagonist is serviceable but he's nothing memorable in the grand scheme of things beyond just being a biker who becomes edgy. The amount of plot to absorb can also be an issue with how often they are delivered throughout, which even happens in the climax of the final third. The predictable plot doesn't rise above the cliches in its formula but those who are in the mood for competent blockbuster stuff can find enjoyment.

 

How are the actors? In regards to story importance, the actors to focus on are Tang Tianxiang, Zhang He, Ao Guang. Tang does a fine performance to overcome how cliched his protagonist role is with aiming for an anguished troubled vibe. Zhang is a highlight among the cast for being more eccentric in the portrayal for his wildcard character. Ao is having a little bit of fun as a stereotypical antagonist where he kinda goes hammy acting wise in the final third. Honorable mentions Li Shimeng and Zhu Ke'er for both doing the best with their limited support roles.

 

Overall Consensus: New Gods: Nezha Reborn is an entertaining animated blockbuster with interesting lore, pretty good visualizations, and energetic action sequences, despite the screenplay issue regarding predictable plot and characters. ⭑⭑⭑⭑ Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes PG-13

 

Reasons to watch it: You are a fan of the aforementioned actors. You want to see animated foreign language blockbusters. You want to see how this adaptation compares to the 2019 version. You are familiar with the Ming Dynasty novel Investiture of the Gods and want to see how it's treated here.

 

Reasons to avoid it: You aren't a fan of the aforementioned actors. You don't want to see animated foreign language blockbusters. You are familiar with the Ming Dynasty novel Investiture of the Gods but aren't interested to see how it's treated here. You are bored with predictable plots and stereotypical characters.