Na Tra returns with a more epic Ma Dong Nao Hai! Will the second part surpass the resounding success of the first part? Let's find out with Hobiver now!
Nezha: The Demonic Beasts (2019) and Nezha 2: The Demonic Beasts (2025) are two prominent Chinese 3D animated films, both directed by Sui Cao. Both films are based on the character Nezha from the novel Fengshen Yanyi and have achieved considerable success both artistically and commercially.
Overview of content
Na Tra: Demon Boy's Birth (2019): The film tells the story of Na Tra, a boy born from the Demon Pill, destined to be a demon and shunned by everyone. However, with the love of his family and his own efforts, Na Tra overcame prejudice, proving that his fate is determined by himself.
Na Tra 2: Ma Dong Nao Hai (2025): Continuing from the previous part, after experiencing a calamity, the souls of Na Tra and Ngao Binh were recreated by Thai At Chan Nhan from a seven-colored lotus. However, Than Cong Bao released the four great dragon kings, threatening the lives of humanity. Na Tra and Ngao Binh faced many difficulties and participated in an unprecedented war to protect the world.
The two episodes impressed with the adaptation compared to the original legend, when Na Tra was supposed to be the reincarnation of Linh Chau, representing justice. But in this new version, Na Tra was born from Yeu Hoan - a pearl containing evil energy, cursed by heaven and earth. Na Tra, from a character destined to be a hero, became a cursed person and had to fight to prove his own worth.
Next, Na Tra and Ngao Binh (Thai Tu Long Cung) are sworn enemies in the original work. But in the adapted version, Ngao Binh is the Linh Chau transfer, and shares the same fate of being imprisoned by the Dragon Clan. Fate forces him to eliminate the Demon Hoan but becomes an important companion of Na Tra. The two films have successfully built a brotherhood between the two, emphasizing the understanding and sympathy between those bound by fate.
The two parts of Na Tra are not only entertaining movies but also bring meaningful messages about friendship, family and humanity.
Character Development
In both parts, Nezha is portrayed as strong, mischievous, and emotional. In the first part, he struggles with fate and social prejudice, while in the second part, he shows maturity and is willing to sacrifice himself to protect humanity.
As Na Tra's companion, Ngao Binh has a clear development, developing from a supporting character born destined to confront Na Tra to later becoming a special friend. In part two, Ngao Binh rises with more roles, becoming an important fighting friend, facing great challenges with Na Tra.
Techniques and images
The first part of the film uses advanced 3D techniques, creating eye-catching battle scenes and vivid images, contributing to the resounding success in 2019. The battles between Na Tra and Than Cong Bao or Long Vuong are built magnificently, but are still simple compared to current standards.
After 5 years, Na Tra 2 was upgraded with top-notch effects thanks to the latest CGI technology. The producer used 800 computers to create 180,000 frames, performing 1,900 vivid scenes with a team of more than 100 domestic companies. The fighting effects were heavily invested, especially the battles with the four great Dragon Kings, using many effects of fire, water, thunder... creating a feeling of superior satisfaction. Technology also helps to simulate more realistically the characters, costumes, expressions, and The scenery is much more magical and magnificent than the first part.
Revenue and reception
Na Tra: The Demonic Child achieved an impressive revenue of 742.5 million USD, becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films in China at the time of its release.
By Na Tra 2, the film broke many box office records, surprisingly grossing over 1 billion USD, becoming the highest-grossing Chinese film of all time and entering the top highest-grossing animated films globally.
Comparison and general evaluation
Both films succeed in recreating the classic story of Nezha from a modern perspective, combining tradition and creativity.
In terms of scope and scale of the story, the first part of the story revolves around a small village, focusing on the personal fate of Na Tra, while the second part expands the scale to the ocean, with the appearance of the Four Great Dragon Kings and larger forces.
The two films are smoothly connected, from the plot, character lines to the message of will and courage. If the first part focuses on Na Tra's personal journey, the second part expands the scale, bringing him into a larger battle, depicting the maturity and responsibility of a true hero.
The remarkable progress in terms of images and content in the second part shows the serious investment and constant efforts of the production team. With the outstanding upgrade in terms of techniques and content, Na Tra 2 promises to bring a magnificent experience, perfectly continuing what the first part has built.
In short, Na Tra : Ma Dong Giang The and Na Tra 2: Ma Dong Nao Hai are both works worth watching, not only because of their impressive special effects but also because of their meaningful messages about life and people.
Let's join Hobiverse to wait for the blockbuster and emotional movie to be released in Vietnam.
