Nationalism and Patriotism Surrounding Ne Zha 2 Amid Growing Rivalry with Hollywood

*Ne Zha 2* has emerged as a cultural phenomenon in China, achieving unprecedented box office success while stirring national pride. The film’s success is contrasted with the perceived failures of *Captain America: Brave New World*, leading to vocal criticisms and a polarized audience response. Concerns are rising regarding the implications of this nationalism for cultural discussion and artistic critique.

The recent release of Ne Zha 2, a Chinese animated film about a mythical boy combating demons, has garnered significant acclaim, emerging as the highest-grossing animated film in history with earnings of 12.3 billion yuan ($1.7 billion). This monumental success has ignited a wave of nationalism among Chinese audiences, who vocally support the film while criticizing competitors, particularly Captain America: Brave New World, viewing it as a rival that must fail in the Chinese market.

Fans of Ne Zha 2 have taken to social media to express their disdain for Captain America, often stating, “I don’t care if Ne Zha 2 can survive overseas, but Captain America 4 must die in China.” Critics lament the poor performance of Captain America 4 in China, where it has only generated $10.6 million, leading some to argue that this reflects a broader decline of American cultural influence.

Cinema owners in Sichuan have even made the decision to suspend screenings of Captain America 4 to bolster support for Ne Zha 2. While some audience members complain that Ne Zha 2 did not receive sufficient screening opportunities in North America, many feel that the American film industry is actively suppressing Chinese films by prioritizing other offerings.

Premiering on January 29, Ne Zha 2 quickly surpassed the $1 billion milestone within two weeks, showcasing the film’s appeal despite China’s challenging economic landscape. Ne Zha 2 is regarded as a symbol of progress in Chinese cinema, challenging Hollywood’s historical dominance despite concerns over its role in fueling nationalist feelings.

Patriotic fervor surrounding Ne Zha 2 has led to divided sentiments, with social media users openly critiquing anyone who expresses criticism of the film. Detractors of the animated feature have been labeled as “clout-chasers” or financially motivated, which underscores the increasingly polarized environment surrounding discussions of cinema in China.

The film’s success introduces characters from Chinese mythology to global audiences while receiving accolades for its quality. However, the fervor of nationalism that Ne Zha 2 has inspired raises concerns about the implications for cultural discourse, with apprehension growing over the potential toxicity of a fan-climate that equates critique with a lack of patriotism.

*Ne Zha 2* has effectively become a cultural milestone in China, representing significant revenue achievements and stirring national pride. Its success has incited strong rivalry against Hollywood productions, particularly *Captain America: Brave New World*, seen as a threat to its standing. The film’s polarizing reception highlights broader societal issues regarding nationalism and critical discourse in the arts, indicating that discussions about films are increasingly bound by national sentiment rather than artistic critique.

Original Source: www.bbc.com