In the interplay of visual effects on the silver screen, the powerful story of "Ne Zha 2" drew all my attention. I was deeply moved. The animated blockbuster captivated me not only with its exquisite visual effects and touching storyline but also with its profound theme—breaking prejudice and pursuing self-worth, which led me to reflect on the real world.
Ne Zha, a character burdened with the curse of the Demon Pill and rejected by society, is seen as a “monster” and a “calamity” from birth. Prejudice is like a heavy mountain weighing down on him, making it hard for him to breathe and gradually turning him rebellious and defiant. Yet, in the character, I see an unyielding spirit and a relentless pursuit of self-worth. He tries to draw people’s attention through pranks, but all he receives is more aversion and criticism. However, he never gives up his longing for recognition and respect.
Characters like Wuliang Tianzun, a supreme Taoist deity, in the film push prejudice to the extreme. Under the guise of justice, they manipulate others and harm the innocent. This hypocritical power system sustains itself by creating and spreading prejudice, causing great harm to others. It inevitably reminded me of certain “elites” in reality. They hold prestigious titles and speak in lofty terms but secretly engage in selfish and unscrupulous actions. These people are even more dangerous than outright villains because they disguise their injustices in a cloak of righteousness.
The movie does not merely stop at criticizing prejudice but conveys a powerful message of breaking through it and pursuing self-worth through the resistance and growth of characters like Ne Zha. In the end, Ne Zha earns the respect of others. It is not just because he changes people’s perceptions through his efforts but because he steadfastly believes in his own worth and bravely stays true to himself. As the Bible says, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Romans 12:3) We should be like Ne Zha who is not swayed by others’ opinions but firmly pursuing our dreams and values.
In modern society, we are often subject to external judgments and doubts. At times, we may even feel inferior due to our appearance or differences in behavior. However, true value does not lie in external perfection but in inner strength and kindness. We should learn to view people and situations comprehensively and objectively, not be constrained by preconceived notions and labels, and approach others with tolerance and inclusiveness instead of hastily categorizing them.
Furthermore, "Ne Zha 2" also teaches us to face challenges and difficulties with courage. When confronted with prejudice and rejection, Ne Zha never chooses to escape or gives up but instead stands up bravely and proves his worth through his actions. This is also the attitude that modern individuals should adopt when facing adversity. We should confront challenges head-on, fear no hardship, and walk our own path with determination.
Upon deeper reflection, I think that the movie also reminds us of the importance of staying true to ourselves. In the fast-paced modern world, people are easily swayed by external voices, losing sight of their true interests, dreams, and pursuits. Ne Zha’s story tells us that no matter how the world judges us, we should remain true to our inner selves and live authentically. This is not only an affirmation of personal worth but also an expression of love and respect for life itself.
At the same time, the movie also gives me a reflection on society’s acceptance of “outsiders.: In real life, those who are different often face exclusion and discrimination. However, Ne Zha’s story tells us that everyone has unique value and significance. We should learn to respect and embrace differences as this is essential for building a more harmonious and inclusive society.
(Originally published by the Gospel Times, the article has been edited under permission and the author is a pastor at a church in Guangdong Province. )
- Translated by Charlie Li
