This paper provides an in-depth analysis of two phenomenal films of 2025 -Ne Zha 2 and Captain America 4 - and explores their performance in the global market and the cultural differences behind them.
Contents
1.Brief Introduction
2.Why is the Captain America movie series worth watching?
2.1 The core of superheroes - “ordinary people become heroes”
2.2 The “Human Light” in Superhero Movies
2.3 Mapping History and Reality
2.4 The Soul of the Team
2.5 Cultural significance and social value
3.Why is this movie so appealing to American audiences?
4.East Meets West: Captain America and China's Ne Zha in a Narrative Showdown
4.1 Captain America 4's Core Values: Freedom and Responsibility
4.2 Ne Zha 2's Cultural Core: Resistance and Family
4.3 Comparison of American and Chinese Narrative Structures
4.4 Globalization and Cultural Differences of Superhero Movies
5.The Competition Behind the Visual Feast: How Special Effects Define the Future of Cinema
6.The Future of the Screen: What's Happening in the Global Film Market?
7.Summary
Over the years, superhero movies have created an unstoppable worldwide craze. From the Marvel Universe (MCU) to the DC and Sony Spider-Man series, the adventures of these heroes have become deeply rooted in modern pop culture. And Captain America: A Beautiful New World, a major installment of the MCU's Phase 4, not only continues the classic style of this series, but also brings many refreshing surprises.
Why is the Captain America movie series worth watching?
For the average viewer, this movie is more than just a superhero story; it's a profound exploration of responsibility, sacrifice, and faith.
The core of superheroes - “ordinary people become heroes”
The story of Captain America breaks away from the traditional superhero setting from the very beginning. Steve Rogers is not a naturally strong warrior, but a scrawny young man who suffers from discrimination and unfair treatment. Through the “Super Soldier Program”, he gained extraordinary abilities, but more importantly, his core attributes - courage, faith, selflessness and insistence on justice - are what made him a true hero.
This is something that is relatable to the audience. The story of Captain America tells us that heroes are not necessarily perfect, but as long as they have strong beliefs and a heart for others, ordinary people can also achieve great things.
The “Human Light” in Superhero Movies
In the Marvel Universe, many heroes have complex human qualities (e.g., the Avengers' arrogance, Iron Man's ego). Captain America, on the other hand, is a relatively pure being. He always acts with the interests of his team and others in mind, and even in the face of misunderstanding or betrayal, he always stands up for what he believes in.
This “idealized hero image” allows the audience to enjoy the action scenes while also feeling a positive value - goodness, loyalty and selflessness can overcome all evil.
Mapping History and Reality
The background of Captain America's story spans World War II, the Cold War, and the modern world. This cross-generational narrative not only makes the character more three-dimensional, but also allows the audience to see how the hero responds to challenges in different historical contexts.
In the Avengers series, Captain America represents unity and trust - he believes in the power of the team and is willing to put aside his own prejudices to embrace new members (e.g. Black Widow, Falcon, etc.).
In Winter Soldier, his skepticism and confusion embody the true emotions of a hero in the face of a complex reality.
This mapping of history and reality makes Captain America not only a fictional character, but also a symbol - no matter how times change, the spirit of justice and faith will never go out of fashion.
The Soul of the Team
In the Avengers, Captain America is not only one of the most powerful heroes, but also the core of the team. He represents leadership, responsibility and teamwork.
When Black Widow is in despair, he proves the value of trust through his actions (e.g., his sacrifice in Avengers 3: Infinity War).
When Thor doubts his mission, he helps him find himself with conviction.
This “soul man” approach allows Captain America to serve as a link in the team - not only does he lead the team to victory, but he also makes them believe in the power of unity.
In addition, the movie also skillfully incorporates some issues of modern society, such as the abuse of power and the relationship between technology and human nature. These elements not only make the story closer to reality, but also allow the audience to reflect on some phenomena in the current society while enjoying the movie.
Cultural significance and social value
The Captain America movie series is not only an action blockbuster, but also a metaphor for modern society. For example:
In “Avengers 4: The Final Battle”, Captain America chooses to sacrifice himself to save the universe, reflecting the spirit of selflessness.
In Captain America 3: Civil War, his insistence on responsibility and rules triggers the audience to think about the balance between individual freedom and collective interests.
This deep-rooted theme makes the movie not just entertainment, but a cultural phenomenon - it leads people to think about real-life issues through the hero's story.
Why is this movie so appealing to American audiences?
For American audiences, Captain America 4: A Beautiful New World is more than just a comic book movie; it is a tribute to the American spirit. Many scenes and lines in the movie are reminiscent of American history, culture and social values. For example:
Captain America's classic line “the price of freedom is high” reminds the audience to cherish what we have.
The movie shows the classic scenes of World War II, which evokes the memory and respect of many Americans for that period of history.
In addition, the humor in the film is also a great addition to the film. Whether it's Steve's confusion about modern technology or his hilarious interactions with Bucky, the movie gives viewers a light-hearted relief in the midst of a tense and exciting plot.
East Meets West: Captain America and China's Ne Zha in a Narrative Showdown
Half a month after the release of Ne Zha 2, the Chinese animated film shows no signs of losing momentum at the box office. Although the film has yet to be fully released internationally, it is already the new champion of the Chinese box office, among the top 20 highest-grossing films in the world, and on track to become one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time.
It's worth noting that Ne Zha 2 did not rely on any international market contributions in achieving this goal. Judging from pre-sales so far, North American audiences have also responded enthusiastically to Ne Zha 2, with many screenings already sold out and attendance rates exceeding 90%. Ne Zha 2 has also become a new topic of discussion on social media among US internet users.
Ne Zha 2 will compete with Captain America 4 in the global movie market in 2025. These two films represent the portrayal of heroes and unique interpretations of the concept of “hero” in different cultural contexts. Ne Zha 2 is based on traditional Chinese culture and showcases the heroic qualities of Eastern mythology, while Captain America 4 continues the traditional narrative of American superheroes. The competition between the two films in the global market is not only a box office battle, but also a collision and dialog between the cultural values of the East and the West.
Captain America 4's Core Values: Freedom and Responsibility
The Captain America series has always been centered on the theme of freedom, which is not only a philosophy but also a guide for action. In the Marvel Universe, Steve Rogers (Captain America) is not only a super soldier, but also a symbol of American values - he represents courage, responsibility and selfless dedication.
From the anti-fascist struggle during World War II to the modern-day cosmic crisis against the Exterminator, Captain America has always been centered on his personal abilities and beliefs to lead his team in accomplishing his mission. This narrative mode emphasizes the hero's sense of loneliness and mission, demonstrating the high esteem for personal values in American culture. For example, in Avengers 3: Infinity War, Steve chooses to face the exterminator alone, exchanging his own life for the team's hope. This spirit of “one person taking on everything” is the concentrated embodiment of American individual heroism.
Ne Zha 2's Cultural Core: Resistance and Family
In contrast, Ne Zha 2 presents a completely different cultural perspective. Based on traditional Chinese mythology, the movie tells the story of Ne Zha's rise from “boy” to “hero”. Unlike Captain America, Ne Zha's core values are not purely freedom or responsibility, but rather “resistance” and “family”. It shows us that there is another definition of a hero - one who does not fight alone, but one who is part of a group, who takes responsibility, and who ultimately fights for the greater good. This kind of hero image has gradually gained global recognition, especially with the rise of Chinese cinema, and has provided global moviegoers with a brand new model of hero narrative, challenging the mainstream narrative of traditional American heroism.
The story of Ne Zha is full of philosophical reflections on Eastern culture. Ne Zha is born with a “demonic” nature, but through his own awakening and the tolerance of his family, he ultimately achieves self-redemption. The narrative focuses more on “reconciliation” than confrontation, emphasizing that personal growth must take place within the context of family and social relationships. For example, Ne Zha's mother is forgiving and understanding of him, which becomes an important driving force in the story. This is a reflection of the collectivist values of traditional Chinese culture, which emphasize that personal growth cannot be achieved without the support of the family, and that the significance of a hero lies in bringing hope to others.
Comparison of American and Chinese Narrative Structures
From the perspective of narrative structure, the Captain America series is more inclined to the mode of “personal salvation”. Whether it is the anti-fascist struggle in World War II or the solution of the modern cosmic crisis, Steve always takes his personal power as the core and leads the team to accomplish the mission. This narrative emphasizes the hero's sense of loneliness and mission.
Ne Zha 2, on the other hand, focuses more on the construction of family and social relationships. Ne Zha's growth is not entirely on his own, but through interaction, confrontation and eventual understanding with his family, he realizes his breakthrough. This narrative structure is closer to the traditional Chinese concept of “harmony” - the meaning of heroes is to resolve conflicts, not just destroy enemies.
Globalization and Cultural Differences of Superhero Movies
As a form of globalized entertainment, superhero movies are gradually absorbing elements from different cultures. The success of the Marvel Universe is largely due to its accurate grasp and dissemination of American values; while the popularity of Ne Zha 2 proves that Eastern narratives are equally capable of impressing global audiences. Therefore, Captain America 4 and Ne Zha 2 are not only two superhero movies with very different styles, but the cultural concepts behind them also have a profound impact on the audience's perception of heroes. As the global audience's understanding and acceptance of cultural differences increases, these two views of heroes will continue to collide in the future movie market, bringing a more diverse movie-going experience.
However, there is still a difference in the acceptance of superheroes between American and Chinese audiences. American audiences are more inclined to the narrative mode of individual heroism, as this kind of story is more likely to inspire their empathy - everyone aspires to change the world through their own efforts. Chinese audiences, on the other hand, pay more attention to the emotional depth of the characters and family relationships, and they want to see the warmth and complexity of human nature through the hero's story.
The Competition Behind the Visual Feast: How Special Effects Define the Future of Cinema
In the field of movie industry, the special effects technology of China and the United States represents the unique style and development direction under different cultural backgrounds.
The history of the U.S. special effects industry can be traced back to the 1970s, when the Star Wars series laid the foundation for the global special effects industry. Today, U.S. VFX companies are still in the forefront in terms of technology and experience, and have an unrivaled advantage in handling large-scale war scenes and complex character designs. However, with the rise of China's special effects industry, the success of films such as “Ne Zha 2” has proved that the Asian market has great potential for visual presentation.
American special effects companies such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Weta Digital are known for their attention to detail in set design and characterization. They specialize in creating an immersive viewing experience for the audience through delicate light and shadow processing, complex particle effects, and highly realistic visual presentation. For example, the vegetation, terrain, light and shadow design of the Pandora planet in Avatar almost achieved the effect of realism, showing the deep skills of American special effects technology in creating a sense of reality.
In contrast, Chinese special effects teams pay more attention to the expression of “imagination” and the integration of traditional culture. In Ne Zha 2, for example, the design of the scenes in the film is full of strong oriental aesthetics. For example, the transformation of the lotus flower into Ne Zha retains the flavor of traditional mythology while giving it a new vitality through modern technology; the special effects team used dynamic layering and particle systems to create a stunning three-dimensional space in the movie, and the flooding of the Chentang Pass scene used fluid simulation to create a dramatic visual effect. The scene of the flooded Chentang Pass was created with the help of fluid simulation technology, presenting a magnificent picture effect. These innovations not only enhanced the artistic expression of the movie, but also accumulated valuable experience for China's movie special effects industry.
If the Marvel series is representative of the American special effects industry, Ne Zha 2 is an important attempt to industrialize Chinese cinema. The breathtaking images in the film, such as the golden pillars of light that fill the sky during the apocalypse, are actually realized by a “particle system”. Each beam of light is made up of countless tiny “digital particles” that move according to a specific pattern, ultimately creating a stunning effect. The realization of this special effect demonstrated a high visual impact, reflecting the potential of the Chinese special effects team in combining technology and creativity.
In the future, the special effects industry in China and the U.S. may form a situation of healthy competition. This competition will not only promote the further development of global special effects technology, but also bring more high-quality movie productions to the audience. Do you think special effects just make the picture prettier? In fact, these technologies are quietly changing the entire movie industry. For example, the combination of “dynamic layering” and “particle systems” allows directors to create special effects that were once unattainable. In the future, we'll be seeing a lot more out-of-the-box stories being brought to the big screen!
The Future of the Screen: What's Happening in the Global Film Market?
The diversification of the global movie market has led to fierce competition between China and the United States in the movie field, and this competition presents both opportunities and challenges. For American audiences, Captain America 4 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated movies of 2025, which not only continues the Marvel Universe's consistently high quality of production, but also firmly captures the hearts of moviegoers around the world through its grandiose worldview and deep emotional resonance. However, at the same time, the rise of the Chinese film market has brought new challenges to the American film industry, especially with productions like Ne Zha 2, which has risen to prominence in the international market thanks to its sophisticated technology and unique cultural expression.
Hollywood blockbusters have long dominated the international market with their powerful production techniques and global narrative capabilities, and the Marvel Universe series of films is undoubtedly one of the best. The success of Captain America 4 lies not only in its continuation of Marvel's consistently high visual effects, action design and tight narrative pacing, but also in its emotional elements that transcend cultural boundaries and resonate with audiences around the world. The growth and sacrifice of heroes are the core themes of universal values, and these are precisely the reasons why Hollywood blockbusters attract moviegoers from all over the world.
In contrast, Chinese films have made great strides in technology and creativity in recent years, with the domestic animated film “Ne Zha 2” in particular making a noteworthy comeback. By modernizing the expression of traditional Chinese culture, the film has won the hearts of audiences around the world. However, compared to Hollywood blockbusters, the influence of Chinese films in the global market still falls short, especially in terms of cross-cultural narrative and international promotion. The success of Ne Zha 2 relies more on its unique cultural core, but this cultural localization also limits its further expansion in the international market.
For American audiences, Captain America 4 is not only a superhero movie, but also another successful practice of Marvel Universe's globalization strategy. Through years of layout and promotion, Marvel has not only cultivated a large number of loyal fans in the U.S., but also accumulated a huge audience in Europe, Asia and other regions. This kind of cross-cultural brand influence is difficult for Chinese movies to copy in the short term. However, as China's film industrialization continues to improve, works like “Ne Zha 2” are gradually challenging the U.S.'s ability to export its culture in the global film market. This competition is both a pressure and a motivation for the U.S. film industry to keep innovating in order to maintain its leading position in the global market.
In short, in today's increasingly diverse global movie market, American audiences are both proud of the excellence of local movies and wary of competition from other countries. The success of Ne Zha 2 reminds us that Chinese films are gradually closing the gap with Hollywood, a trend that will undoubtedly bring more possibilities and variables to the international movie landscape in the future.
Summary
Superhero movies resonate globally, thanks in large part to their core narrative of universal values. Whether it is the sense of responsibility to save the world, the pursuit of justice, or the theme of personal growth, these elements are able to cross language and cultural barriers and touch the emotions of the audience. For example, Captain America 4 conveys the spiritual core of unity and courage by showing the sacrifice and perseverance of the heroes, while Ne Zha 2 combines traditional Chinese mythology with modern values to tell a story about self-identity and breakthrough. These two superhero narratives from two very different cultural backgrounds have both succeeded in capturing the attention of global audiences. This cross-cultural appeal makes superhero movies a bridge between different countries and regions. Whether they are Hollywood superheroes or Chinese animated heroes, they are all trying to convey a unique cultural perspective to the world in their own way. In the future, as the globalization process deepens, superhero movies may pay more attention to integrating multicultural elements, so as to create stories with more inclusive and universal values.
In short, the future of superhero movies is not only about entertainment, but also about the collision and integration of cultures. In this context of globalization, we have reason to believe that superhero stories will become more colorful and become an important link connecting the world.