China has a new box office champion, with the animated film “Ne Zha 2” surpassing the previous record holder “The Battle at Lake Changjin.” The film’s success is attributed to its rapid rise in popularity and societal trends such as the growing interest in traditional Chinese culture. However, another online community with an equal claim to the film’s success is the “Industrial Party,” a loose online community of activists promoting scientific rationality and technological progress.
The movement’s influence can be seen in two major Chinese pop culture products: the animated film “Ne Zha 2” and GameScience’s video game Black Myth: Wukong. Director Jiao Zi, who is self-taught and has a background in pharmaceutical studies, has emphasized the need for Chinese animators to stand up for themselves and incorporate technological narratives into their work.
The film’s success can be attributed to its special effects, which took an entire year to complete. The director’s obsession with technology comes with a healthy dose of patriotism, as he aims to showcase China’s capabilities in science fiction cinema. Similarly, GameScience CEO Feng Ji believes that the game’s success is due to Chinese culture and talent.
The “Industrial Party” movement has faded from public view, but its influence can still be felt in the entertainment industry. The three creators behind “Ne Zha 2” and Black Myth: Wukong – Jiao Zi, Guo Fan, and Feng Ji – were all born in the 1980s and grew up in a China experiencing rapid economic growth.
Their work reflects the movement’s emphasis on technological innovation and industrial upgrading. While the success of “Ne Zha 2” is undeniable, concerns have been raised about the pendulum swinging too far towards technology-driven creativity, potentially leading to less diverse artistic expressions losing ground.
Note: The article has been simplified and reorganized for better clarity and readability while maintaining essential information.
Source: https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1016629