Ne Zha II, the record-breaking animated sequel from Beijing Enlight Media, is making headlines once again as it gears up for its re-release by A24 on August 22. With Michelle Yeoh, the Academy Award-winning star of Everything Everywhere All at Once, on board to voice Ne Zha’s mother, Lady Yin, the movie promises to captivate new audiences experiencing it in English. This is an opportunity not to miss!
In an exclusive interview with io9, Yeoh shares her thoughts on joining the world of Ne Zha II, the cultural significance of animation, and the emotional depth it brings to her acclaimed career.
1. What Intrigued Michelle Yeoh About Ne Zha II?
Yeoh feels a deep connection to Ne Zha, a character she has known since childhood. “This fiery, rebellious young child resonates with anyone wanting to fight back against adversity,” she says. After watching the original film, Yeoh was amazed by the animation’s richness and creativity. “I was blown away by the stunning action sequences and the imaginative realms depicted in the film – from heaven to underground,” she recalls.
2. The Role of Lady Yin and Cultural Exchange
Stepping into the role of Lady Yin was a dream come true for Yeoh. “She embodies a warrior spirit, fighting to protect her family and city. It felt like a natural fit for me,” she explains. Yeoh believes that films like Ne Zha II create bridges between cultures, allowing Western audiences to engage with Eastern narratives. “It’s a beautiful way for kids to connect with a character like Ne Zha, much like they do with Spirited Away or Moana,” she adds.
3. The Challenge of Voice Acting
Yeoh recognized the importance of bringing her unique interpretation to the character of Lady Yin, despite being built upon a strong foundation set by the original actress. “You can’t mimic great performances; you have to find your own voice in the character,” she states. The nuances and emotional depth of Lady Yin were already defined by the creative team, which allowed her to explore new facets of the character.
4. Action and Emotion: More Than a Children’s Movie
When discussing the film’s intense action sequences, Yeoh emphasizes that today’s audiences are savvy enough to distinguish between fantasy and reality. “Children see these battles as magical rather than graphically violent,” she suggests, pointing out that the animated realm allows for creative storytelling. “The breathtaking visuals and intense emotions elevate Ne Zha II beyond the typical ‘children’s movie’ label,” she explains.
5. Asian Representation in Animation
Yeoh is passionate about showcasing the depth of Chinese narratives and animation on a global scale. “There’s a wealth of extraordinary Asian content that deserves recognition,” she says, urging audiences to explore the rich world of animated films emerging from China. With Ne Zha II, she hopes viewers will appreciate the hard work put into the animation and the storytelling.
Will Ne Zha II resonate with non-Asian audiences as well? Absolutely. Yeoh’s goal is to share these Eastern narratives with all cultures, enriching the viewer’s experience. “This leads to a mutual appreciation of diverse storytelling,” she argues.
What messages do you hope children take away from Ne Zha II? Yeoh hopes viewers will see the love their parents have for them, even if they don’t notice it while growing up. “Children need to understand that their parents will always stand by them,” she suggests, emphasizing the film’s theme of family and self-discovery.
Questions People Also Ask
Is Ne Zha II suitable for children? Yes, the film balances thrilling action and emotional depth, making it engaging for both children and adults.
How does Ne Zha II compare to Western animated films? It offers a unique perspective and cultural elements that make it distinct while sharing similarities with beloved films like Moana.
What can we learn from Ne Zha II? The film focuses on themes of familial love, the journey of self-discovery, and standing up for oneself.
When will Ne Zha II be released? The film returns to theaters and IMAX on August 22.
Don’t miss out on this visual spectacle. Make sure to catch Ne Zha II in theaters, and continue exploring more about the world of animation. For more exciting updates, visit Moyens I/O.