A drawing of Nezha in a Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) book introducing the characters in Investiture of the Gods, an ancient classic tale. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Coming-of-age

The latest adaptation, Ne Zha 2, directed by Yang, and now a popular blockbuster, incorporates his understanding of the relationship between personal growth and the external world, and the dream to fight for fairness in a bigger context.

"Every era has its own Nezha, serving the current audience," Yang said in a previous interview, adding that "we continue Nezha's spirit of resistance, particularly seen in the struggle against fate".

In his version, Nezha is reimagined as the story of a boy with dark circles around his eyes, who breaks stereotypes, and the Dragon Prince Ao Bing as a kindhearted youngster, while the Dragon Kings and Shen Gongbao, a key villain, who is a leopard demon turned celestial being, each have their own struggles.

Good and evil no longer stand in binary opposition. The Dragon Prince Ao Bing and the Dragon Clan embody spiritual burdens stemming from ancestral responsibilities.

The old oppressive hierarchy with biases and hidden agenda seems indestructible. In Ne Zha, the audience witnesses how one person, upon learning of their cruel, predetermined fate, strives to overturn it. In its sequel, Ne Zha 2, the audience sees how millions of the oppressed fight against destiny for justice.

The portrayal of family relationships is strengthened, with improved parental personalities: The father is gentle, implicit and introverted and the mother is a brave military officer.

It also reflects the director's personal emotional projection. From a medical background, he switched to animation midway through his studies, although no one believed he could succeed.

"Without the support of my parents, I wouldn't have come this far or persevered for so long in animation," Yang said in an interview with The Beijing News. "Nezha was also able to change his fate because of his parents' acceptance, support, and love."

Compared with that old image of a Buddhist or Taoist deity, this latest Nezha resembles a real human child. Beyond the story, the director hopes to offer more encouragement, hope, warmth and strength to those pursuing their dreams, those running forward, he said in an interview with Southern Weekend.

Yang Chenxi, a 17-year-old senior middle school student from Huzhou, Zhejiang province, resonated with the spirit of the movie. She watched Nezha five times and Nezha 2 once during the Spring Festival holiday.

"There might be a similarity between Nezha and me. We both care how other people see us," she says. "This version of Nezha is different from the typical storyline of a divine being reincarnated to save others and himself. Instead, it begins with Nezha as an underestimated demon who gradually proves himself, defying fate to start anew. Along the way, he and the Dragon Prince Ao Bing become friends. Despite his status, Ao Bing faces similar doubts.

"Their intertwined journey features fresh plot twists, thought-provoking dialogue, and inspiring moments, making it both uplifting and touching," she adds.