Ne Zha 2’s success also rooted in classic shadow puppetry

What made Ne Zha 2 a breakout hit that resonated with global audiences? The Forum on High-Quality Development of the Film Industry, part of Forum on Building up China's Cultural Strength 2025, explored this question in depth.

After listening to insights from leading figures in the industry, China Daily reporter Yan An was reminded of the popularity of shadow puppetry performances at the 21st International China (Shenzhen) Cultural Fair. She realized that for a film to truly move audiences, technical sophistication alone isn't enough. Its core appeal lies in something timeless — just as the classic shadow puppetry, the artistic ancestor of cinema, reveals: only works that touch hearts can endure through the ages.