Nationalism and Cinematic Success: The Case of Ne Zha 2
Ne Zha 2 has emerged as the highest-grossing animated film worldwide, prompting expressions of nationalism among Chinese audiences. Supporters have criticized rival Hollywood films, notably Captain America: Brave New World, fueling resentful sentiments towards perceived foreign detractors. Amidst acclaim for Ne Zha 2, there are rising concerns about the film’s role in fostering a divisive cultural environment surrounding art and critique.
The animated film Ne Zha 2 has achieved remarkable success, becoming the highest-grossing animated movie globally, with a box office total of 12.3 billion yuan ($1.7 billion; £1.4 billion). This achievement has ignited a wave of national pride in China, propelling fans to express their support for local cinema while scrutinizing any detractors as opportunistic critics. The film’s triumph coincides with the underwhelming reception of Captain America: Brave New World, igniting fervent nationalism among Chinese audiences.
A popular sentiment circulating on social media includes the phrase, “I don’t care if Ne Zha 2 can survive overseas, but Captain America 4 must die in China.” This reflects a growing disdain for Hollywood’s influence, with many gloating over Captain America’s lackluster ticket sales in China compared to Ne Zha 2’s record achievements. An essay noted, “In reality, the US does not have superheroes and the US is not a peace-loving, peace-defending beacon for humanity,” reinforcing the nationalistic critique.
The film Ne Zha 2 launched on January 29, during the Lunar New Year holiday, and swiftly surpassed $1 billion in revenue within two weeks, significantly contributing to its symbolic status as a mark of progress in Chinese cinema. Unlike previous blockbusters that often evoked patriotic themes, Ne Zha 2’s success is attributed to its domestic popularity, with over 99% of its earnings coming from Chinese audiences.
Despite Ne Zha 2’s clear success, frustrations exist regarding its limited screenings abroad, particularly in North America, where American cinemas have been criticized for prioritizing other films. This challenge has sparked a sense of defensiveness among Ne Zha 2’s supporters, who believe that international perceptions of Chinese cinema are unfair. Fans have reported feeling pressured to attend Ne Zha 2 screenings to demonstrate their patriotism, generating a social media buzz and an emotionally charged defense of the film.
Critics of Ne Zha 2’s plot and undertones have faced backlash, often labeled as “clout-chasers” or malicious actors with ulterior motives. Users on platforms like Xiaohongshu claim these critics miss the film’s cultural significance and contribute to an unhealthy atmosphere surrounding artistic critique. Nonetheless, as Ne Zha 2 garners international recognition, it simultaneously becomes a vehicle for rising nationalism, leading to mixed sentiments regarding its cultural impact.
While Ne Zha 2 is celebrated for its animation quality and storytelling, concerns arise about the film’s role as a catalyst for nationalistic fervor and divisiveness in cultural discourse. Dialogue about the movie has devolved into a binary conflict between fans and detractors, obscuring constructive critique and discussion. Such dynamics represent a troubling trend within the cultural landscape, where patriotism intertwines with cinematic appreciation.
Ne Zha 2’s unprecedented success has not only positioned it as the leading animated film globally but has also generated intense national pride in China. This has led to a stark contrast with Hollywood productions like Captain America: Brave New World, igniting discussions about nationalism in cinema. While the film is commended for its artistic achievements, it raises concerns about cultural discourse becoming overly politicized, limiting thoughtful critique amidst the celebration of domestic artistry.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
