姜子牙
Jiang Ziya
The hero of the war of the gods, cast down for refusing to kill a demon
Synopsis
The war of the gods is over. Jiang Ziya, the Kunlun disciple who led the immortals to victory against the Shang dynasty, is about to be named leader of the gods. But as he is about to execute the nine-tailed fox demon, he hesitates, and the demon escapes.
Banished to the mortal world and stripped of his powers, Jiang Ziya sets off after the demon to make amends. With Xiao Jiu, a girl bound to the fox, and his mount Si Buxiang, he uncovers the truth hidden behind the war of the gods.
Directed by Cheng Teng and Li Wei for Coloroom Pictures, Enlight Pictures' animation label, the film was released in China on 1 October 2020. It is the second film in the Investiture of the Gods universe, after Ne Zha (2019).
World
The film takes place after the war told in Investiture of the Gods, which saw the fall of King Zhou of Shang and the rise of the Zhou. The mortal world lies in ruins, peopled by survivors and demons. Above, Mount Kunlun and its master, the Celestial Venerable, rule over the gods.
Power system
The Kunlun immortals wield heavenly powers; the banished Jiang Ziya must manage without them. Fox demons can possess humans and bind their souls to their own. The film's settings draw on Chinese painting and Western art.
Reception & popularity
Released during National Day week, the film grossed more than 1.5 billion yuan in China. Its visuals were praised, but its story, darker and more philosophical than Ne Zha's, divided audiences.
My take
Jiang Ziya is one of the most visually beautiful Chinese animated films: every shot looks painted. Its hero, a fallen god full of doubt, is a change from the usual triumphant heroes.
The story is less polished than Ne Zha's, and the final revelations can feel rushed. But its message about refusing to sacrifice an innocent, even in the name of heavenly order, remains strong.
Who is it for?Watch it if you liked Ne Zha and want a more adult, contemplative fable.
Main characters
More character profiles are coming.
Adaptations
This franchise also exists in other formats — each with its own pacing and audience.
Trivia
- The film was due for Chinese New Year 2020 before being pushed back to October because of the Covid-19 epidemic.
- Xiao Jiu went through 255 design versions before approval, and Si Buxiang more than 80.
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More donghua to discover after Jiang Ziya: same author or same genres.
