The Chinese animated film Nobody reimagines Journey to the West from the demons’ perspective, blending tradition and modernity to create a box office success. -- Photo: Weibo/Nobody’s official account via SCMP
BEIJING (SCMP): Just like the widely acclaimed 3D animated film "Ne Zha 2" before it, Nobody – a breakout box office hit in China this summer – draws its inspiration from a Chinese literary classic, namely Journey to the West.
Its character designs and plotlines are influenced by the 2023 animated series Yao-Chinese Folktales, which in turn is based on stories of demons and monsters in traditional Chinese folklore.
Mining China’s vast cultural heritage is proving to be a winning formula for the local entertainment industry.
'Nobody' has surpassed 1.1 billion yuan (US$153 million) in total box office revenue 20 days after its release, according to Chinese ticketing platform Maoyan.
Still, that alone cannot fully explain the popularity of the 2D animated film, so what else has helped contribute to its success?
A new spin on a Chinese classic
The film is a creative adaptation of the 16th-century classic "Journey to the West, which recounts the fantastical adventures of Tang Sanzang, a Chinese monk tasked by the Buddha to retrieve sacred scriptures from India.
While retaining the classic’s core backstory, "Nobody" is told from the perspective of four nameless demons in the original classic – a wild boar demon, a toad demon, a weasel spirit and a gorilla monster – who embark on a similar journey. Leading the crew is the idealistic and optimistic wild boar demon.
A contemporary take on traditional cultural references
The film builds upon the foundation of the original, emphasising its core Confucian ideals and teachings, such as knowing one’s destiny, living for the sake of all and self-sacrifice.
For the motley crew in Nobody, nothing is black and white; they never resist for the sake of resisting, nor do they resign to their fate. Instead, they endeavour to surpass themselves with rational judgment, and they have a clear awareness of reality. This is something that resonates with the contemporary audience.
The film integrates the traditional Chinese ink style into its poster design. -- Photo: Weibo/Nobody’s official accountThe film also features other traditional elements from Chinese culture. The animation echoes the Chinese ink wash painting style, bringing to life imagery of drifting chimney smoke and dappled sunlight filtering through leaves with grace.
It also incorporates modern values and wisdom into the dialogue, making the cast relatable to audiences of all ages. The core message of “everyone can be the hero of their own life” is an inspiring addition to the classic novel.
Relatable characters and emotional depth
Some people who saw Nobody said they entered the cinema laughing but left in tears.
That is because every viewer can see themselves reflected in these minor demons: the wild boar fails his civil service exams because he has no connections, for example, or the toad, a cog in the corporate machine who gets laid off over tiny mistakes.
“In the original novel, the journey of Tang Monk and his disciples was always aided by powerful allies when in need,” one Douyin user said. “But these four little monsters had no one to rely on but themselves. They struggled against their fate, even though they knew the chance of success was slim – just like most ordinary people face in our society.”
“I kept waiting for the true monkey king, Sun Wukong, to help the cast when they fought the villain, but he never came,” said another. “In the real world, legendary heroes seem to barely exist [to help us]. For most people, simply getting through life while staying true to ourselves is hard enough.”
A collection of Nobody merchandise at the film’s premiere in Shanghai. -- Photo: Shanghai Observer/Zhong Han
Snippets from the film, such as an interaction between the wild boar’s mother and her son, also resonated deeply with many viewers. Reuniting after several years, her first words to her child were to ask if he had been drinking enough water.
“‘You’re not drinking enough, have some more.’ I guess that’s something mums everywhere can’t stop saying, right?” one Douyin user said.
Throughout their adventure, the demons undergo profound growth, evolving from being doubted by others to ultimately shaping their destinies.
The producer
Founded in 1957, the Shanghai Animation Film Studio stands as one of China’s oldest and most well-known animation studios. Its works, such as "Havoc in Heaven, Nezha Conquers the Dragon King, Lotus Lantern, and Baby Tadpoles Look for Their Mother" have left a huge impact on multiple generations.
Play
As the pioneer of 2D animated films in China, the studio draws deeply from Chinese myths and classical literature, creating an array of unique animations rooted in traditional Chinese artistic style.
In Nobody, the colour palette and art styles evoke audiences’ memories of the classic Chinese 2D animations. A 10-second bonus scene at the film’s beginning, reintroducing the characters beloved across generations, also sparked a wave of nostalgia among the audience. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
