Visualisation Features of Mythological Image of Nezha in Chinese Animation

Abstract

Mythological heritage is an integral part of Chinese culture, but in order to continue its existence, it has to transform and adjust to society and its demands, thus acquiring new content and reflecting new values. The article studies the visualization peculiarities of the Chinese mythological story of Nezha in the national animation. This article examines the transformation process of the mythological image of Nezha (哪吒), its sinification process, its features in the classic 16th century novel “Investiture of the Gods” by Xu Zhonglin, as well as features of film adaptation of mythological story of Nezha in the animated films “Nezha Conquers the Dragon King” (哪吒闹海), 1979, and “Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child” (哪吒之魔童降世), 2019. The plot of both movies and the image of Nezha in them inevitably differ from the original novel “Investiture of the Gods” and through these differences it is possible to identify the main social issues, existing in a certain period of time. The 1979 animated film is a milestone in Chinese animation development, and it is saturated with the mood of the times of change. Film directors attempt to reflect on the “Cultural Revolution”. The image of Nezha symbolizes a cruel but righteous hero who fights the enemies of the people and sacrifices himself for the common good. In the 2019 film the plot of the primary source is radically deconstructed, and the problems of growing up and self-determination of the individual, as well as the cruelty of modern society come into focus. Thanks to the successful adaptation of the classic mythology plot both films managed to gain success not only among Chinese audience and critics, but also among foreign ones.