Yang Jian” – Animation Scoop

A Mythical Spectacle: Yang Jian and the New Gods Series

A Standalone Sequel in the New Gods Universe

Yang Jian is the second installment in the New Gods series, following Nezha Reborn, both helmed by director Zhao Ji. While watching the first film isn’t essential to understanding Yang Jian, those interested in a deeper connection to the mythology can find Nezha Reborn on Netflix. The New Gods series offers a fresh take on Chinese mythology, blending it with cutting-edge animation and an abundance of VFX-driven action sequences.

A Visually Stunning but Character-Heavy Narrative

Rather than focusing extensively on the plot, this review highlights the film’s exceptional character development and breathtaking animation, which often overshadow its dense storyline. Yang Jian introduces a vast array of characters, some of whom seem minor at first but later become pivotal. Others vanish and reappear in different settings, while some emerge so late in the story that the script risks feeling overloaded.

Understanding the Mythological Roots

No expertise in Chinese mythology is required to enjoy Yang Jian, but a basic understanding of its themes may enhance the viewing experience. Given the film’s intricate web of characters and shifting roles, audiences may find themselves piecing together relationships and allegiances as the story unfolds. Despite its narrative complexity, Yang Jian remains a visually mesmerizing addition to the New Gods saga.

A God’s Fall and the Quest for the Magic Lotus Lantern

From God of War to Bounty Hunter

The story follows Yang Jian, a once-mighty god of war who has fallen from grace after mysterious events thirteen years prior (no spoilers!). Now, he scrapes by as a bounty hunter, barely able to afford fuel for his steampunk-inspired airship. His fortune seemingly changes when a beautiful dancer, Wanluo, hires him to retrieve a Magic Lotus Lantern—an artifact of immense power.

A Deadly Family Conflict

Jian soon discovers that he is not the only one after the Lantern. Among his rivals is the ruthless young criminal Chenxiang, who also happens to be Jian’s long-lost nephew, pursuing the artifact for his own reasons. Alongside them, at least four other factions enter the fray, each with their own motivations. The quest quickly spirals into a treacherous journey filled with twists, betrayals, and shocking family secrets—ones that make other generational conflicts look trivial by comparison.

A Visual Masterpiece of Animation Styles

A Blend of Techniques Unlike Anything Before

Keeping up with the plot’s intricate twists may be challenging, but that’s largely because the film’s dazzling animation is impossible to look away from. Yang Jian is a visual feast, incorporating an eclectic mix of 2D, 2.5D, 3D, motion-capture, FPS cuts, and even enhanced rotoscoping reminiscent of Richard Linklater’s Waking Life (2002).

A World of Unparalleled Depth

The backgrounds and layouts are staggeringly detailed. The opening scene alone, set on Penglai Fairy Island, evokes a Blade Runner-style metropolis, rendered in dynamic 3D animation with multiple moving camera levels, creating a breathtaking, multi-layered visual experience.

With its high-stakes adventure, intricate family drama, and revolutionary animation, Yang Jian cements itself as a spectacle that must be seen to be believed.

A Spectacle of Action and Homage

Unforgettable Set Pieces and Visual Homages

Yang Jian delivers thrilling action sequences that push the boundaries of animation. Some standout moments include:

• A multi-level chase through the vibrant streets of Penglai.
• A high-stakes prison escape from an eight-headed dragon god.
• Wanluo’s mesmerizing zero-gravity dance, reminiscent of a slow-motion Busby Berkeley performance.

The film also boasts creative VFX sequences, such as a demonic villain who plays a Chinese banjo—but instead of music, his riffs unleash deadly flying blades. There are numerous visual homages, most notably to Blade Runner, Avatar, and Jet Li’s martial arts films. One chase scene, set in a dense forest, mirrors the exhilarating escape sequence in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, where two protagonists evade Doctor Octopus.

A Shape-Shifting Companion

Adding a unique charm to the story is Yang Jian’s pet, a white dog that seamlessly transforms into a hyperactive pre-teen girl—and back again—with fluid precision, adding humor and heart to the film.

Complex Characters with True Growth

A Hero with Depth

Yang Jian is more than just a battle-worn warrior; he is a jaded yet composed hero, maintaining his cool even after years of humiliation. In moments of solitude, he plays blues on a harmonica, but when duty calls, he fights with the ferocity of a fallen god.

A Cast of Layered Personalities

• Chenxiang: A brooding, determined young man whose love-hate relationship with Yang Jian drives much of his transformation.
• Wanluo: A character of mystery and deception, oscillating between seductive charm and ruthless ambition.
• Yuding: Initially revered as Yang Jian’s wise master, he takes a shocking villainous turn—until the film subverts expectations once again.
• Shen Gangbao: The drunken yet cunning General of the Eastern Sea, whose secrets prove crucial to the unfolding story.

With its spectacular action, visually stunning homages, and richly developed characters, Yang Jian stands apart from many Western animated films, proving itself a must-watch in modern animation.

New Gods: Yang Jian is being distributed to North American theaters through international producers GKIDS beginning on January 20, but it remains to be seen how many will actually feature the film. Pity that, even with its flaws, the film towers over nearly every other mainstream animated film in recent memory (with the possible exception of Puss In Boots: The Last Wish). Even with its 2-hour running time, this film deserves to be seen more than once.

Final note: Five minutes into the credits, there is a short, amusing mid-credits scene that adds nothing to the story but is cute to watch.