New Gods:Nezha Reborn (2021)

Genres:Animation,Fantasy,Action

Director:Zhao Ji

The film is about Nezha,a young hero in ancient Chinese mythology revered by generations of Chinese people for his good deeds of fighting against evil to protect the people.There are numerous cultural relics,historic sites,and artistic works related to him.About 3,000 years ago,the world was in turmoil and the people and gods were encountering great disasters.Unexpectedly,Nezha escapes from heaven and is reincarnated in a young man called Li Yunxiang on earth.However,Nezha’s old enemies are seeking revenge.In addition to hosting a part of Nezha’s soul,Li also faces crises within himself and in his hometown.Li and the original Nezha fight together to save the people and become heroes of the city.

The animation integrates traditional Chinese elements with cyberpunk themes.It creates an imagined city to show a mixture of Chinese and Western cultural patterns:Manhattan in 1920-1930s and traditional Shanghai folklore,treating the audience to a refreshing visual experience.Besides,the traditional image of Nezha has been fused with a modern young man.It not only depicts Nezha’s original features of rebellion and resistance,but also demonstrates the high spirits of modern youth:refusing to be defined but bravely exploring paths themselves,resonating with young moviegoers.

Green Snake (2021)

Genres:Animation,Fantasy,Adventure

Director:Amp Wong

The film is based onThe Legend of the White Snake,a famous Chinese folk love story.It narrates the tragic love between a snake spirit transformed into a human form and a young pharmacist,showing people’s praise of and yearning to find free love.This movie is set in the late Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).The white snake spirit Xiaobai is trapped by the monk Fahai under the Leifeng Pagoda,and her sister,a green snake spirit,Xiaoqing,is exiled by Fahai to a strange fantasy city.Afflicted by several crises,Xiaoqing is rescued by a mysterious masked man.Later,Xiaoqing survives the calamity and finds a way to leave the city.

The movie does not depict the classic Chinese folktale in its original form.Based on the original characters and plots,it is an adaptation from the perspective of Xiaoqing to interpret classics with modern elements.The two spirits have completely different personalities.Xiaobai is gentle with classical beauty,while Xiaoqing is daring and rebellious.The film tells a story of the deep bond between the sisters and Xiaoqing’s self-growth and improvement in the modern aspect.It shows the sisters’ awakening of self-consciousness and pursuit of the true self,arousing empathy from the audience.