Nationalism Surrounds Ne Zha 2 Amidst Rivalry with Captain America
“Ne Zha 2” has become the highest-grossing animated film globally, igniting a wave of nationalism among Chinese audiences against competitor films such as Captain America. Social media reflects newfound patriotic sentiments, which may overshadow critical discussions about the film. While the success of Ne Zha 2 is significant, it prompts concerns about the cultural environment surrounding art and critique.
The animated film “Ne Zha 2” has recently gained acclaim, being recognized as the highest-grossing animated film globally after earning 12.3 billion yuan ($1.7 billion). The film’s success has ignited patriotic fervor among Chinese audiences, who are now vocally critical of competing films, particularly the latest installment of the Captain America franchise, which they perceive as its rival.
Prominent social media sentiment has emerged, with slogans like “I do not care if Ne Zha 2 can survive overseas, but Captain America 4 must die in China” circulating widely. This reflects a broader trend of nationalism that accompanies the film’s achievements, with many expressing satisfaction over Captain America’s poor performance in China, where it earned merely $10.6 million of its $92 million outside the U.S.
One online essay argues that the failure of Captain America in China signifies a decline in American cultural appeal, stating, “In reality, the US does not have superheroes and the US is not a peace-loving, peace-defending beacon for humanity.” A local cinema even halted screenings of Captain America to express support for Ne Zha 2.
Though Ne Zha 2 premiered outside China this month, criticism has been leveled at American cinemas for not providing adequate screening opportunities for the film. Launched on January 29 during the Lunar New Year, it quickly generated over $1 billion, a notable achievement in the context of China’s economic challenges.
Ne Zha 2 has become emblematic of the growing competitiveness of Chinese films in the global market, often outperforming Hollywood productions. Unlike traditional regional profit distribution seen with Hollywood films, over 99% of Ne Zha 2’s earnings originate from China—a clear indication of its national significance.
Social media clearly reflects the cultural pride associated with Ne Zha 2. Some users report viewing the film multiple times, while those who have not experienced it face pressure to conform to perceived patriotic norms.
Critiques of Ne Zha 2, focusing on aspects like plot and humor, have been quickly dismissed by nationalistic supporters, leading to a climate where artistic judgment is often conflated with patriotism. “People like that are either clout-chasing, or are being paid” reflects the intense defense mounted against any negative commentary.
Although Ne Zha 2 has showcased rich Chinese mythology and received praise for its production quality, the film’s association with nationalistic pride raises concerns. Critiques aimed at the film are sometimes viewed as unpatriotic, as discussions pivot to the rivalry between fans and detractors, which could detract from a more constructive cultural discourse.
The rising popularity of “Ne Zha 2” has stirred a wave of nationalism among its fans, who criticize rival films, notably the Captain America franchise. Although the film has broken box office records and garnered acclaim, its association with political sentiment raises concerns over a cultural atmosphere where criticism equates to unpatriotism, overshadowing meaningful discussions about artistic merits. Ultimately, while Ne Zha 2 represents a cultural milestone, its political leverage must be approached with caution.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
