The Demon Child Churns the Sea

Ne Zha 2’s Modern Diversion From Traditional Folktales

Abstract

The 2025 Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 is a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional folktale that challenges the historical binaries of good and evil by reconstructing classic mythological figures as multifaceted antiheroes. The film criticizes social injustices and a larger system that has perpetuated discrimination against “demons,” who are equated with evil, exposing how prejudice and rigid classifications further alienation and violence. Thus, the film twists traditional cultural values to fit into a modern context of uncertainty and youth dissatisfaction with society’s rigidity and censorship, exemplified by the demon child protagonist Ne Zha and his rebellious journey of reconciling with his otherworldly nature to convince the Heavens of his benevolence. This endeavor subverts the original folktale, as the Heavens are constructed as antagonistic, described as an oppressive authority. Through breaking the traditional folktale, this paper argues that Ne Zha 2 presents a social commentary on rebellion against injustice and forging one’s own destiny.