The long-anticipated Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2," the highest-grossing animated film globally, was officially released in Thailand on Thursday.
A large crowd of moviegoers attended the premiere screening here on Wednesday night, queuing up to receive movie posters, taking photos with characters, and enjoying one of the most successful films currently ranked 6th highest-grossing in the world.
Henry Tran, general manager of Warner Bros. Thailand, a distribution partner of "Ne Zha 2," praised the film's highly sophisticated animation, emphasizing its universal appeal and "pure entertainment" value as key factors behind its blockbuster success.
The film appeals to all target audiences, from children and teenagers to adults and the elderly, as it delivers a full range of emotions -- comedy, the supernatural, culture, beliefs, love, gratitude, and cutting-edge production technology, Henry told Xinhua at the premiere event.
"I came to watch 'Ne Zha 2' because I remembered how fun the first sequel was, so I eagerly planned to see it at the premiere," Thai moviegoer Nannapat said.
"The film offers a comprehensive blend of drama, action sequences, and breathtaking visuals. I loved it and was deeply impressed. This is undoubtedly the movie of the year for me," she said.
Attending the premiere with his family, university lecturer Chawalit Jujia said the film had many impressive scenes and was deeper and more touching than his expectations.
As a Chinese language teacher and fan of fantasy animations, Chawalit underscored the inclusion of cultural elements that could be beneficial in his teaching and highly recommended the film for its enriching experience that goes beyond classroom learning.
Thai screenwriter Sorarat Jirabovornwisut said Ne Zha is a well-known piece of Chinese literature that has been popular in Thailand and serves as a cultural ambassador, fostering a meaningful exchange with China.
Sorarat said that since the sequel was first released in 2019, Chinese animation has significantly improved, particularly in storytelling. "Ne Zha 2" offers a fresh interpretation with a reflection on Confucian values, showcasing themes of gratitude, compassion, and Ne Zha's dedication to serving his homeland.
"Watching the premiere today, I feel incredibly happy and proud of Chinese animation, which has now reached a world-class level, standing on par with Western productions and firmly representing the East on the global stage," he said.
Available in more than 390 cinemas across the Southeast Asian country, "Ne Zha 2" will be screened in a Thai-dubbed version and the original Chinese version with subtitles to cater to different audience preferences, according to the distributor.