Ji Zhao's "NEW GODS: NEZHA REBORN"
Movie review by Dennis D. McDonald
The story elements of this epic animated Chinese fantasy are a bit familiar:
A young man scratching out a living in the poor part of town discovers his true identity — he’s actually an ancient god reborn!
He comes under the influence of a Wise Old Tutor.
The crime boss who is running the city into the ground is also an ancient god reborn!
The two clash in a series of increasingly spectacular and surreal violent encounters.
Will good triumph over evil? Spoiler alert: Is the Popemobile Catholic?
I know, it sounds like a score of other Chinese fantasies that abound on today’s streaming platforms but this one is really special, despite the by-the-numbers characters and conflicts. What sets it apart are spectacular production design and wonderful and kinetic editing and animation. The world these characters inhabit is pure steampunk straight out of the late 1930s. The colors are neon-bright, the motion fluid and kinetic, and the characters expressive and recognizable.
There is much violence here and people don’t easily shake off the effects of collateral damage caused by the warring gods. The choreography of movement is totally fantastical and constantly swooping through multiple viewpoints, almost to a dizzying degree. But the characters are strong and resolute.
Into the mix also we have dragons. Who doesn’t enjoy a good dragon?
My one complaint is that the movie is a bit too long. It could have been improved by shaving a few characters and subplots, but on balance, the animation, detail, and music are exemplary. Recommended.
Review copyright (c) 2021 by Dennis D. McDonald
