It is now official: Ne Zha 2 has crossed the remarkable threshold of 14.88 billion yuan ($2.05 billion) at the global box office, surpassing Avengers: Infinity War and securing a place among the top six highest-grossing films in history. This is not just a commercial triumph — it is a watershed moment for global cinema. For the first time, a non-Hollywood, non-Western production has broken into the highest echelons of worldwide box office rankings.
The film’s momentum has extended beyond the Chinese mainland, capturing the imagination of audiences in Hong Kong. Theaters are packed out as viewers immerse themselves in a visually spectacular world where ancient Chinese mythology meets cutting-edge animation. But the real story here is not just the film’s stunning success. It is how the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s government and film industry moved with unprecedented speed to approve and release Ne Zha 2, demonstrating an ability to balance regulatory processes with market demand. In doing so, Hong Kong has not only ensured that its audiences remain connected to cultural milestones but has also positioned itself as a more agile player in the global film landscape.
When a film becomes a cultural sensation, governments often recognize the need to act quickly. Hollywood provides many examples of this, but perhaps none more telling than Top Gun in 1986. The United States Department of Defense collaborated extensively with the filmmakers, granting them access to real fighter jets, aircraft carriers, and military bases. The Pentagon understood that the film was not just entertainment — it was an invaluable recruitment tool for the Navy and Air Force. As a result, approvals were fast-tracked, ensuring that the movie reached audiences at the height of its relevance.
Hong Kong’s decision to approve Ne Zha 2 in just one day aligns with this kind of responsiveness. It reflects the city’s long-standing reputation for efficiency and international engagement. When four different local distributors vied for exclusive screening rights, the national authorities stepped in to facilitate a collaborative release. The result was a rare but highly effective partnership, minimizing internal disputes and ensuring that the film reached audiences without unnecessary delay. Such coordinated efforts not only stabilized revenue distribution but also offer a potential model for future collaborations within Hong Kong’s film industry.
Beyond the impressive box office numbers, Ne Zha 2 delivers tangible benefits to Hong Kong’s struggling film sector. For cinema operators still recovering from the financial strains of the COVID-19 pandemic, the film’s runaway success has brought much-needed foot traffic back to theaters. This renewed energy could provide momentum for other large-scale productions, helping to restore confidence in the industry.
At the same time, Ne Zha 2 is deepening cultural appreciation among Hong Kong audiences. The film’s seamless blend of traditional Chinese mythology and modern storytelling techniques introduces local audiences to the latest advancements in Chinese animation. This exposure helps foster a greater understanding of homegrown storytelling, countering the decades-long dominance of Hollywood narratives.
Perhaps most significantly, the film’s central message — “My fate is mine to decide, not the heavens”— resonates deeply with Hong Kong’s own spirit of perseverance and self-reliance. The city has long prided itself on its entrepreneurial energy, its ability to overcome challenges, and its commitment to shaping its own destiny. In this sense, Ne Zha 2 is not just a film; it is an affirmation of values that feel profoundly relevant to Hong Kong’s identity.
The Ne Zha 2 phenomenon extends far beyond cinema halls. It has become a major talking point in discussions about mythology, tradition, and modern identity. China’s guochao movement — the contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Chinese aesthetics — is also gaining momentum, with Ne Zha 2 serving as a prime example of how heritage can be made relevant for new generations.
Hong Kong is well-positioned to capitalize on this cultural wave. Organizing community screenings, educational workshops, and themed exhibitions could transform Ne Zha 2 from a blockbuster success into an enduring cultural moment. Such initiatives would not only enhance the film’s impact but also cultivate a broader appreciation for Chinese animation and storytelling.
The collaboration between Hong Kong’s four major distributors in bringing Ne Zha 2 to local audiences has already demonstrated the benefits of a unified approach. If this model is applied to future blockbuster releases, it could lead to a more streamlined, efficient distribution system, ensuring that high-demand films reach audiences without unnecessary friction.
Some may raise concerns about whether fast-tracking a film’s approval undermines regulatory fairness. The reality, however, is that film approval systems are designed to be flexible. As long as a movie meets content guidelines, safety standards, and intellectual property regulations, there is room for expedited processes — especially when there is strong public interest.
In the case of Ne Zha 2, there was never a question about its suitability for audiences. The film had already been widely recognized as a positive, family-friendly blockbuster, both in China and internationally. The notion that rigid bureaucracy should have delayed its release runs counter to the very principles of efficiency and adaptability that have long defined Hong Kong’s success.
Instead, the focus should be on maintaining a smart approval process — one that is both thorough and responsive to market dynamics. Hong Kong’s ability to strike this balance in the case of Ne Zha 2 is a sign that its regulators understand the evolving nature of cultural consumption.
The success of Ne Zha 2 provides valuable lessons for Hong Kong’s film industry. Establishing a priority review mechanism for high-potential films could ensure that future blockbusters do not face unnecessary delays. Regular industry forums and film festivals featuring top Chinese directors and Hong Kong producers could strengthen creative exchanges, fostering greater collaboration and innovation. A refined classification and rating system could also help streamline approvals, ensuring that films are evaluated with both commercial viability and audience protection in mind.
Ultimately, Ne Zha 2 has proven that Chinese storytelling has a place on the world stage — and Hong Kong has shown that it can move with the agility necessary to keep pace with global trends. The city’s decision to expedite the film’s release has not only benefited audiences but has also reinforced its role as a bridge between Chinese and international cinema.
As the film industry continues to evolve, Hong Kong has an opportunity to position itself as a hub for high-quality, culturally significant films. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and maintaining a dynamic regulatory approach, the city can ensure that future cinematic milestones — whether from the mainland, Hong Kong, or beyond — reach audiences in a timely and impactful way.
For now, Ne Zha 2 stands as a reminder that great stories transcend borders. And if the industry plays its cards right, this is just the beginning of a new era for Hong Kong cinema.
The author is the convener at China Retold, a member of the Legislative Council, and a member of the Central Committee of the New People’s Party.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
