Ne Zha

Ne Zha is a 2019 Chinese animated fantasy film directed by Yu Yang Rao, Du Haohai, and Li Weijun. The film is an adaptation of the mythological tale of the Eight Immortals, specifically the third immortal, Nezha. Set in a time before recorded history, Ne Zha tells the story of a young boy who is destined to bring chaos and destruction to humanity, but whose fate takes a dramatic turn. The film begins with the Primus, the creator of the world, extracting a Mixed Yuan Bead, a powerful celestial artifact. The bead is then divided into two separate entities: the Spirit Seed and the Demon Pill. According to the Primus, the Spirit Seed will be reincarnated as a human to help King Zhou establish a new dynasty, while the Demon Pill will create a powerful devil that will threaten humanity. However, an unexpected twist occurs when the Spirit Seed and the Demon Pill are accidentally switched. This switch leads to the reincarnation of Ne Zha, a young boy born into the Ba kingdom, as a being with the characteristics of the intended Demon Pill. As a result, Ne Zha grows up with a rage-filled heart and destructive tendencies, causing chaos wherever he goes. King Zhou's advisor, Hai Men, recognizes that something is amiss with Ne Zha and sets out to investigate. Unbeknownst to Ne Zha, his true identity as a being chosen to help establish a new dynasty has been replaced by the cursed Demon Pill. Meanwhile, Ne Zha struggles to contain his wrath, a state that is only perpetuated by the demonic influences of the pill. As tensions rise, Hai Men realizes that the prophecy foresees Ne Zha as a powerful being who can defeat the Taotie, a monstrous creature that is terrorizing the village of Shaocai. Driven by his rage and possibly also by his true, lost identity, Ne Zha is drawn into the battle against the Taotie and is eventually tasked with retrieving a magical pearl from the depths of a ferocious sea. The destruction left by Ne Zha as he retrieves the pearl catches the attention of King Zhou and his advisors, who send their most trusted soldier, Li Jing, to interrogate and defeat the young lad. As a battle begins to unfold, Ne Zha possesses powers impossible for a human, including martial skills, fiery powers, and incredible speed. These abilities allow him to fight off Li Jing but ultimately succumb to the overwhelming force brought by Li Jing. Ne Zha discovers his true, heavenly home beneath the Celestial Lake and begins a journey that exposes the mysteries behind his dark nature. Returning to Li Jing, now more aware of the forces controlling him, Ne Zha manages to overpower the mortal through his immense powers. Upon defeating Li Jing, his true self finally emerged after receiving aid from powerful malevolent forces because of unearthing an untainted heart deep within our hero. Upon overcoming initial societal dread triggered at the time he wields such merciless warrior force and because the power of his pure intentions to save humanity begins to grow, Ne Zha begins what could be seen as his rise as a new kind of hero.