Jiang Ziya

This is the second movie in the Fengshen Cinematic Universe and it's completely different tonally from Nezha, the first movie. Instead of a comedy that would definitely appeal to kids more this is a more dramatic feature with a more mature audience in mind.There is the cutesy animal friend and child character companion, but the subject matter of the consequences and aftermath of war doesn't really allow too much room for silly antics like Nezha has. This is a much slower movie, but I find it allows for quite a lot of breathing room and reflection on it's themes. Basically if you're expecting a fast paced comedy like Nezha you're not going to like this movie. Also you don't need to see Nezha to understand this movie, other than a few references and a mid credits skit these two movies are pretty standalone.Visuals, Music, and PresentationFrom the 2D animated opening to the credits this movie is a gorgeously made painting with great use of lighting and cinematography. I don't think there was a moment that was wasted in this movie whereas Nezha felt like it had a lot of out there moments and tone shifts that felt more like a really bumpy rollercoaster. The only thing I think holds this movie back is the music isn't very memorable and wouldn't be something I would listen to outside of the movie. There are two themes for Jiang Ziya and the girl that stuck out, but they are kind of generic emotional pieces. I do think the vocal version of Jiang Ziya's theme that plays in the second half of the credits is really good though.CharactersJiang Ziya himself is a bit of a boring do gooder, but he's more like an anchor for the other characters to play off of so they in turn make him more interesting. Su Daji or Nine Tails definitely steals the show though, with a great seductive and malicious presence, when she's on screen. I'd say she's up there with some of the better Disney villains in terms of presence and motivation. The rest of the characters are decent, but they're either spoiler heavy, have little presence or have a few moments when they shine. The animal companion is a great voiceless character though and it's interactions with Jiang Ziya and the girl are great levity in this somber movie.Overall I find this movie to be really enjoyable and much more up my alley than Nezha. It's very somber and poses the question of whether or not "for the greater good" is always the best choice to take or not.As for Future movies in this Cinematic Universe I think they'll probably mostly be standalone stories set in the same world more than an interconnected mess you'd see with Marvel, I don't expect an Avengers with this. If you don't like this movie you might like Nezha or you might like Deep Sea, the next movie in the CU.

One of the best, most moving and comprehensively profound, anime, ancient-modern mythologies of our time. An instant classic! I look forward to more medicinal media from these producers.In essence: Submit and bow only to the Divine within yourself, not the apparent Power of Dogma or Tradition or Ritual even if it comes from beings who appear as Gods - always choose for yourself and BE YOUR OWN GOD ;)The classic dilemma of whether it is justifiable to sacrifice one life to save All is spun here and the "Leader of the Gods" is stripped of his power for being unwilling - due to his compassionate heart - of destroying a demon that would have meant destroying an innocent life that this demon was bonded with.Throughout the journey you witness divine virtues inherent in all great mythology shared such as compassion for all, whether Demon or God, as well as no holds bar justice whether for Demon or God.This is the classic, moral struggle that humans go through, in the name of Love and driven by the power of Love, to dance between our inherent Higher (God) and Lower (Demon) Selves and Qualities. We cannot just follow herd mentality when sided with either "side" of this inherent duality but we must remain with our intuition and compassion fully intact to discern and follow our own SOVEREIGN PATH, even and especially if that means defying those who have been placed on the pedestal as "Masters of the Gods."

Jiang Ziya caught my interest because I am a sucker for Eastern fox tales and mythology. Knowing little else beyond the fact that the film featured a 9 tailed fox as the antagonist, I decided to give this film a try and I am quite glad I did.Jiang Ziya is a CG animated fantasy film based on a Chinese novel, Investiture of the Gods. The film's story is about a mortal who had the chance to ascend to the Heavenly realm, but faltered at the last moment when tasked with killing an evil fox spirit. Banished for his failure, he lives a simple life alongside his friend who somewhat serves to keep an eye on him. After a scuffle in a local tavern where a fox spirit is seeking, and steals, a map, Jiang breaks his sentence and leaves the region he's meant to be confined to in pursuit of her as she looks like the girl he saw during the failed execution of the evil fox spirit.Their fates unknowingly entertwined, Jiang Ziya and the young girl and the adventure will reveal truths that will affect the human and heavenly realms equally.The film has a serious tone with moment of comedic relief. For comparison, I'd liken it more to a Lord of the Rings set in, and influenced by the mythology of, China more than a Kung Fu Panda. It's quite enjoyable and aimed more towards teens to adults than children.The voice acting is well done, with Chris Sabat leading the English translation in the main role. Combined with the solid story and high quality animation, the film is worth checking out and offers something a bit fresh from the "same old same old" of American animated films.