It's a rare case when a studio learns from its mistakes and improves every aspect of filmmaking: the story is more interesting, with a more fleshed-out world and characters, and the animation is so grandiose and complex that it not only makes the previous movie look simple but also surpasses all the animated films that came before it. The first action scene could've been a climactic battle in another film. With each big moment, Ne Zha's animation team pushes the envelope further, wisely saving the epic visuals for the finale. The new soundtrack features many solid compositions that enhance the sense of excitement andtension. Music has been lacking in the first movie, but Ne Zha 2 has set a new standard for sequels and animation in general. When you think Chinese artists have hit the ceiling, they remind us that there is a whole cauldron of ideas ready to be poured onto the digital canvas.