Ne Zha

A 2019 Chinese animated fantasy film directed and written by Jiaozi, based on Chinese mythology and the classic novel "Investiture of the Gods" by Xu Zhonglin. The film tells the story of Ne Zha (voiced by Lü Yanting), a child born from a heavenly pearl created by Yuanshi Tianzun, the Primeval Lord of Heaven. The pearl was split into the Spirit Pearl and the Demon Pearl. Ne Zha, born with the power of the Demon Pearl, faces prejudice and fear from those around him due to a prophecy foretelling that he would become the world's destroyer. His parents, Li Jing (voiced by Chen Hao) and Lady Yin (voiced by Lü Qi), strive to protect their son and help him find his place in the world. Ne Zha battles internal demons and seeks to prove that he can change his fate. Meanwhile, Ao Bing (voiced by Han Mo), son of the Dragon King of the East Sea, born from the Spirit Pearl, faces his own duties and moral dilemmas. The destinies of Ne Zha and Ao Bing intertwine as they find themselves on opposite sides of a conflict between humans and sea clans. The film explores themes of destiny, predestination, combating prejudice, and finding one's own path. With impressive animation, a profound storyline, and emotional character development, "Ne Zha" received acclaim from critics and audiences alike, becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films in the history of Chinese cinema.