Jiao Zi, the director of the immensely successful animated film Ne Zha 2, recently shared a deeply personal story about the difficult years he faced before his career took off. For more than three years, Jiao Zi struggled to find work in the animation industry, relying solely on his mother’s modest pension of 1,000 yuan ($140) per month to survive. His financial challenges were compounded by the loss of his father during this period, leaving his mother to shoulder the burden of their household’s income. Despite the hardship, his mother never complained, offering unwavering support for her son’s dream of pursuing a career in animation.
Jiao Zi’s story is a testament to the love and sacrifices his parents made for him. In his critically acclaimed Ne Zha series, which draws inspiration from ancient Chinese mythology, Jiao Zi infused themes of parental love, reflecting his own experiences. Ne Zha 2, released on January 29, has shattered box office records, grossing over 14 billion yuan ($2 billion) by February 10, making it China’s highest-grossing film. The film’s success follows the path of the first Ne Zha movie, which broke new ground in China’s animated film industry with a box office take of five billion yuan ($684 million) in 2019.
Beyond its dazzling special effects and engaging storyline, Ne Zha 2 has resonated with audiences due to the emotional depth of the parental relationship between Ne Zha and his mother. In one poignant scene, Ne Zha’s mother advises him on his journey, urging him to control his temper and take care of himself, even though she is unable to accompany him. In her final moments, she expresses her unconditional love for her son, a sentiment that Jiao Zi wanted to emphasize in the film. For him, this portrayal of a mother’s enduring love was the heart of the story.
Born Yang Yu in Luzhou, Sichuan, Jiao Zi initially pursued a pharmacy degree at his family’s insistence. However, he found his true passion in animation and devoted himself to learning it, even though it meant years without a steady income. His perseverance paid off in 2009 when his animated short film won 30 awards, paving the way for his future success. Jiao Zi went on to establish Jiaokeli Animated Studio and continued to create works such as the Ne Zha series, which has since become a global phenomenon.
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