A poster for the animated film Ne Zha [Photo/Mtime]

Creative adaptation

Although Ne Zha's image in this film first strikes audiences as bizarre and kind of ugly for the heavy dark circles under his eyes, and his scary, crooked teeth, the new Ne Zha is being praised for hitting the soft spot in many hearts as cool, smart and entertaining.

The creative adaptation is not limited to Ne Zha's image; people can also see a major change to his character. The household name from The Investitures of the Gods used to be known for his fight against the East Sea Dragon King and his challenge to his father, Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King.

However, Yang Yu, Ne Zha's director and screenwriter, who is better known by his online avatar, Jiaozi, characterizes the title role as a rebellious and righteous youth who tries his best to break stereotypes and reverse his predetermined fate.

Unlike the Ne Zha who fights authority and patriarchy that Chinese people are familiar with, Ne Zha in Yang's film fights bias. Born as a reincarnation of the devil, Ne Zha is hated, feared and cursed, but he believes his fate is not predestined and he can choose to be a demon or a god.

So this fresh rendition of the ancient legendary figure pulls at the heartstrings of the young for they can see themselves in Ne Zha, who suffers from prejudice and injustice but boldly stands up to it.