The Magic of Ne Zha
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Feb 23
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. LIVING ROOM - 10:45
Sitting comfortably on the sofa, PETER scrolls through his Facebook feed.
PETER (V.O.): For the past week, there've been many posts relating to Ne Zha.
As Peter taps one link, we see on screen vibrant animated images.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): The animated film "Ne Zha 2" has become the highest-grossing animated film in mainland China.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Days ago, a friend told me that he watched the film in the mainland and wanted to see more of it.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Today marks the film's debut in Hong Kong.
Peter's WIFE appears, pouring herself a cup of tea.
PETER: Darling, how about we go to the cinema and watch "Ne Zha 2" today? And have a Japanese dinner afterwards?
Act 2
EXT. STREETS - 16:20
Peter hurriedly strides ahead, glancing back at his wife who is absorbed in her smartphone.
PETER: The show begins in 15 minutes...we've yet to get the tickets.
WIFE: To get the tickets from the automatic machine is quick.
PETER: But I don't know if we've to queue for that.
WIFE: I can't fly...
Rejoining his wife, they pick up the pace together.
PETER (V.O): My wife knows well that I don't want to miss the opening image of any movie,
INT. CINEMA - 16:32
Modern. Getting and showing their tickets, Peter and his wife enter the crowded lobby.
WIFE: The entrance to the House remains obstructed.
PETER (V.O): I'm excited...can't wait to see the popular film.
Later, a staff member appears and begins to let the crowd in. Peter and his wife follow the crowd.
PETER: Oh, the preview has already begun. The House should open earlier.
Peter and his wife find their seats and settle down.
PETER (V.O): Has the cinema scheduled too many shows? We knew the earlier shows were almost full, when we did our reservations.
Soon, the lights dim, and the film begins. We watch Peter's reaction during the film.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): The quality of the animation is of international standard.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Introducing Ne Zha to new audience outside the mainland China is good.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): The exposition in Act 1 is average to me. The story's foundation is taken for granted, but I haven't watched Ne Zha 1.
Peter leans back slightly in his chair, his eyelids grow heavy.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): OMG, my gaze has become blurred at Act II when the characters begin to confront...
Peter slips into a light doze.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Yes, I swam several hundred meters before coming here.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): If the drama is truly captivating, I'd find myself fully engaged even in my fatigue.
Later, MAN#1 sitting next to Peter goes to the toilet; Peter sees MAN#2 joinning him.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): They don't mind missing any moments in the film...
More special effect in the Act III resolution scenes.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): The film's runtime is 144 minutes, and viewers pay more. The standard one is 120 minutes.
Later, we see a black screen for a few seconds. Some VIEWERS stand to leave.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Credit would roll...
The closing image begins to appear.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): What a surprise, but it doesn't resonate with the opening image. I don't get any lasting impression.
Act 3.
INT. LIVING ROOM - 21:45
Peter inserts an AI drawing titled: "The Magic of Ne Zha..." to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O): Within every spark of magic lies a story waiting to be told, whether it's rooted in fiction or grounded in reality.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Do we need the mythological Ne Zha to show us, with special effects, that true strength lies in embracing our authentic selves?
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Magic isn't merely about the powers one might have, but in the bonds one forges. My wife and I enjoyed our Saturday night dinner.
FADE OUT
THE END
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