Close Menu
  • Login
  • Support Us
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
    • Video Games
      • Previews
      • PC
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X/S
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Xbox One
      • PS4
      • Tabletop
    • Film
    • TV
    • Anime
    • Comics
      • BOOM! Studios
      • Dark Horse Comics
      • DC Comics
      • IDW Publishing
      • Image Comics
      • Indie Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • Oni-Lion Forge
      • Valiant Comics
      • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Event Coverage
    • BWT Recommends
    • RSS Feeds
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
RSS Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Trending:
  • Features
    Momo and Okarun share a close moment in Dandadan

    Momo And Okarun: The Gold Standard For Shonen Romance

    07/03/2025
    Ironheart Episodes 4 6 But Why Tho 1

    ‘Ironheart’ Explained: Explore MCU’s Bold New Chapter

    07/01/2025
    Buck in 9-1-1

    ‘9-1-1’ Has To Let Buck Say Bisexual

    06/29/2025
    Nintendo Welcome Tour promotional image of the maraca mini-game

    The One “Game” That Justifies The Nintendo Switch 2 Purchase

    06/25/2025
    Destiel Confession in Supernatural - Castiel (Misha Collins) and Dean (Jensen Ackles)

    The Destiel Confession: The Lasting Importance Of Supernatural’s Greatest Ship

    06/22/2025
  • Squid Game
  • K-Dramas
  • Netflix
  • Switch 2 Games
  • Summer Game Fest
But Why Tho?
Home » Film » REIVEW: ‘New Gods: Nezha Reborn’ Boasts Stunning Visuals But A Thin Plot

REIVEW: ‘New Gods: Nezha Reborn’ Boasts Stunning Visuals But A Thin Plot

Collier "CJ" JenningsBy Collier "CJ" Jennings04/26/20214 Mins Read
New Gods: Nezha Reborn - Light Chaser Animation
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

New Gods: Nezha Reborn

New Gods: Nezha Reborn is a Netflix Original Film,  directed by Zhao Ji and written by Mu Chuan. It is based on the Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods. Li Yunxiang (Stephen Fu), a motorcycle racer/smuggler living in Donghai City, discovers he is the latest reincarnation of the deity Nezha. While learning to control the fiery powers that now reside within him, Yunxiang must battle the multiple forces of the Dragon King Ao Guang (Andrew Kishino ) including his ice-wielding son Ao Bing (Aleks Le).

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

I have to give props to Light Chaser Animation Studios and their undertaking the animation duties for Nezha Reborn. The visuals in this film are absolutely gorgeous. A key example of this is the opening sequence, which features a high-octane motorcycle race. The camera tracks the motorcyclists as they speed through the nooks and crannies of Donghai City, the golden light of the setting sun bathing them. Donghai itself is a steampunk paradise, with the vehicles sporting a retro yet hi-tech look and the clothing a hybrid of Chinese and Western influences.

Light Chaser also designs a unique set of adversaries for Yunxiang to face. These range from a jellyfish woman whose tentacles move like whips and a massive angler fish encased in a steel exoskeleton. Yunxiang and other figures also summon auras during a battle that correspond to their respective elements and deities. For example, Yunxiang’s Nezha aura is a massive fiery being, with his body being surrounded by waves of fire and heat.  Conversely, Ao Bing utilizes cryogenic powers that allow him to create projectiles and objects out of pure ice while his father can summon massive bolts of lightning. This leads to inventive and intense fight sequences where the very elements themselves are wielded as weapons, and the environment is often destroyed because of it.

While the film looks visually stunning, the story is another matter. Much like Onyx Equinox and Blood of Zeus, Nezha Reborn presents its own take on mythology-particularly that of its titular character, who is one of the most popular mythological figures in China. However, the film more or less expects audience members to be familiar with the source material. Those who don’t know anything about Nezha or the Monkey King will feel left out of the loop.

Similarly, Yunxiang’s supporting cast is thinly sketched. His contentious relationship with his father is barely touched upon, and a potential relationship with doctor Su Junchu (Nicole Fong) feels tacked onto the main story. I would have liked to see more exploration of these relationships, as they provide the human element that is necessary for a story involving deities and superpowers. Having those connections keeps a superhuman character anchored to their humanity, and without those connections, the audience can feel alienated from the character.

One aspect of the film I do appreciate is how it approaches Yunxiang’s godhood. His discovery of his powers, and training to control them, is oddly similar to the structure of a superhero film. He even creates a suit of armor to master his powers, giving himself a de facto superhero outfit. Conversely,  the Dragon King and his lackeys come complete with all the supervillain trappings: destructive abilities, an outlandish nickname, and a willingness to kill and blackmail others. As approaches to mythology go, it’s extremely innovative-especially given how superhero stories are the modern mythologies of our time.

New Gods: Nezha Reborn sports stunning animation and takes a unique approach to its mythology, though its characters are thinly sketched. A post-credits scene teases a sequel and I hope it fleshes out the world set up in this first film, and hopefully be more accessible to newcomers.

New Gods: Nezha Reborn is currently available to stream on Netflix.

 

New Gods: Nezha Reborn
  • 7/10
    Rating - 7/10
7/10

TL;DR

New Gods: Nezha Reborn sports stunning animation and takes a unique approach to its mythology, though its characters are thinly sketched. A post-credits scene teases a sequel and I hope it fleshes out the world set up in this first film, and hopefully be more accessible to newcomers.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleREVIEW: ‘Secrets of the Whales’ is Beautiful and Intimate
Next Article REVIEW: ‘The Outside Story’ is Sweet Yet Uninspired
Collier "CJ" Jennings
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)

Born and raised in Texas, Collier “CJ” Jennings was introduced to geekdom at an early age by his father, who showed him Ultraman and Star Trek: The Next Generation. On his thirteenth birthday, he received a copy of Giant Size X-Men #1 and dove head first into the realm of pop culture, never looking back. His hobbies include: writing screenplays and essays, watching movies and television, card games/RPG’s, and cooking. He currently resides in Seattle.

Related Posts

The Old Guard 2
5.5

REVIEW: ‘The Old Guard 2’ Is Distracted And Half-Baked

07/02/2025
Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey in Jurassic World: Rebirth
5.5

REVIEW: ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ Is Best When Nobody Is Talking

06/30/2025
MEGAN 2.0 promotional image
7.0

REVIEW: ‘M3GAN 2.0’ Puts Action First

06/29/2025
F1 (2025) promotional key art
8.0

REVIEW: ‘F1’ Is A High-Octane Blockbuster

06/24/2025
KPop Demon Hunters Promotional image form Netflix
9.0

REVIEW: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Brings Beautiful Animation And An Even Better Message

06/20/2025
Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Alfie Williams in 28 Years Later
8.5

REVIEW: ’28 Years Later’ Is How Franchises Should Return

06/18/2025

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here
TRENDING POSTS
Taecyeon and Seohyun in The First Night With The Duke Episodes 7-8
7.5
TV

REVIEW: ‘The First Night With The Duke’ Episodes 7-8

By Sarah Musnicky07/03/2025

The First Night With The Duke Episodes 7-8 spends welcome time in pre-domestic bliss before new developments stir up trouble.

The Terminal List: Dark Wolf trailer First Look Image From Prime Video News

Prime Video Unleashes Teaser for Prequel Series The Terminal List: Dark Wolf

By Kate Sánchez07/04/2025

The first Terminal List: Dark Wolf trailer was released today by Prime Video. The series…

Together (2025) still from Sundance
8.0
Film

REVIEW: Have A Grossly Good Time ‘Together’

By Kate Sánchez01/27/2025Updated:07/04/2025

Dave Franco and Alison Brie’s Together (2025) is disgustingly funny, genuinely ugly, and just a good time at the movies.

Black Women Anime — But Why Tho (9) BWT Recommends

10 Black Women in Anime That Made Me Feel Seen

By LaNeysha Campbell11/11/2023Updated:12/03/2024

Black women are some of anime’s most iconic characters, and that has a big impact on Black anime fans. Here are some of our favorites.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS YouTube Twitch
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Review Score Guide
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2025 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

But Why Tho Logo

Support Us!

We're able to keep making content thanks to readers like YOU!
Support independent media today with
Click Here