On 25th May, the Russian premiere of the highest-grossing Chinese animated film “Ne Zha 2” took place at Cinema Park Mosfilm, located next to the legendary Mosfilm Studio. Just a few days later, on 29th May, the film was officially released nationwide and screened in more than 1,600 cinemas across Russia.
To help Russian audiences fully appreciate “Ne Zha 2” and its cultural context, a high-quality Russian-language dubbing was crucial. Many elements of Chinese mythology can be difficult for Russian viewers to grasp, and a direct translation would have been both complex and ineffective due to deep cultural differences. Fortunately, Russian and Chinese cultures share certain values and narrative traditions, which allowed the dubbing team to adapt the content in a way that resonates locally.
The film’s international success speaks for itself. As of 18th February 2025, “Ne Zha 2” had earned more than 12.3 billion yuan (approximately $1.69 billion USD), surpassing “Inside Out 2” to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time. Remarkably, over 99% of its revenue came from the Chinese market, according to Reuters. It is also the first non-Hollywood animated feature to cross the $1 billion mark in a single country and ranks eighth among the top-grossing films worldwide.
Why did “Ne Zha 2” achieve such phenomenal success?
First, the film is steeped in the rich spirit of Chinese culture. It brilliantly blends folklore and modern themes, introduces core concepts of traditional Chinese philosophy, and recreates the atmosphere of ancient China in vivid detail. Second, viewers around the world — including in Russia — have been drawn to the charismatic hero, Ne Zha: a mischievous yet endearing demon child who has become a symbol of rebellion, bravery, and self-sacrifice. His journey shows that even a troubled soul can choose the path of goodness and justice.
Third, the film’s stunning visuals have left audiences amazed. With nearly 2,000 visual effects shots, “Ne Zha 2” was such a massive production that it required the combined efforts of 138 animation studios across China — a testament to the scale and ambition behind the project.
And the momentum continues. Now, Russian moviegoers have the chance to experience this cultural phenomenon on the big screen — in their own language.
More than just a visual spectacle, “Ne Zha 2” delivers powerful messages about family, identity, and personal transformation. For Russian children, the film offers a rare and valuable opportunity to discover a different mythology and worldview while exploring universal values like empathy, courage, and respect across generations. In a time when cultural understanding matters more than ever, “Ne Zha 2” builds a meaningful bridge between East and West — and inspires young viewers to believe in their ability to shape their own destiny.