Ne Zha 2019

Ne Zha is a tragedy of a child born cursed. From the very beginning, Ne Zha feels like a prisoner inside his own home, treated like a ticking bomb rather than a son. Parang combination ni Elsa from Frozen at Gaara from Naruto. He is misunderstood, feared by villagers, and locked up “for his own good.” His parents love him, but they love with fear, not freedom because that is the only way they know how to protect him. The turning point for me is the planned trap scene. That moment shows who he truly is: sharp, clever, mischievous. This is where I got hooked. Then the film opens the world, literally with that long POV shot parang nasa rides, as the other disciple showcases the heavenly realm. Ang ganda. This world is brighter, more colorful, and full of wonder. Visually, the film plays with elements beautifully. Fire is Ne Zha’s rage, restless and chaotic. Water is the other disciple, calm but deadly when provoked. Their fight is not good vs evil, walang black and white. No outright villain, just people born with burdens. Music plays a big part too. The dragon scale armor scene? Great! The twist that his father traded his life to save Ne Zha hits hard, because if I were in his place, I’d do it too. In a heartbeat. Then the final battle. Fun, wild, messy. Ne Zha fights not by being perfect, but by being himself: mischievous, experimental, unpredictable. And when he finally sacrifices himself, choosing to save others, it’s finally not fear or destiny controlling him but it his choice. As the movie is about to wrap up, they float together, fused as brothers. Parang Deadpool and Wolverine holding hands, but mythic. Because this movie isn’t about fighting demons. It’s about fighting the label people gave you. For me, this movie is an audio and visual treat. It has some of the most advanced fire and water animation I’ve seen. And that heroic power up moment sabayan pa with the epic score, goosebumps!