Professor Popinjay's Compendium of Perspicacity

A Non-Review by Professor Popinjay

(2019)

Hey! Finally a Chinese folklore film with a very specific title! And this one DOES have a sequel with New Gods: Yang Jian. Incidentally, this film has nothing to do with The Monkey King Reborn (2021). I’m guessing “Reborn” in China is like “Mt. Dew” or “Monopoly” here in the states. Just slap it on litterally anything and people will buy it. They definitely have my number at any rate. I’d buy a sack of broken doorknobs if it had a Mtn Dew logo on it.

I won’t go into the background of Nezha again. See my Non-review of Nezha (2019) for that. You don’t HAVE to understand Nezha lore to follow this story but I suppose it could help to understand that there’s an ancient long-standing feud between Nezha and Ao Bing, third son of the dragon, Ao Guang. Other than that, you’re good to go. This story takes place in a steampunk/cyberpunk future. How cool is that!?!

The serious, non-cartoony take on the presentation makes this one a bit soap-opera-esque. Thankfully, the presence of the Six-Eared Macaque provides some welcomed levity AND he’s an integral part of the story! No tacked on characters here!

Seeing Ao Guong as a powerful business man in this alternate future world is an interesting take. I don’t understand where they came up with his name as “Mr. De” which, when pronounced properly, sound like Mr. Duh. He’s an intimidating character until someone says his name. He’s still a cool villain though.

His son, Ao Bing, is the first villain we encounter. Ao Bing serves as a completely uncomplex antagonist. He’s a bad guy and that’s it. No bromance here as in the more cartoony Nezha (2019).

This is not to say the story is without its complexity. Our hero, Li Jinxuang wrestles with being the reincarnation of Nezha. He’s not too keen on being engulfed in flames (a common occurrence considering Nezha’s powers) so Jinxuang makes himself a suit of armor that diverts the flames and he kind of maintains himself more of an avatar of Nezha as opposed to letting Nezha fully manifest through him.

The humor is great. The drama is a bit melodramatic at times but the fights are spectacular. It’s very cool seeing Li Jinxuang on his fiery motorcycle… he’s kind of a Chinese Ghost Rider in that way. I definitely want to see the sequel.