The Chinese animated film "Nezha 2: The Rebirth of Nezha" has surpassed all other animated films globally in box office revenue, reaching $1.38 billion. This achievement dethrones the previous record-holder, also a Chinese film, "Monkey King: Hero is Back." Released in January 2025, "Nezha 2" continues the story of the popular mythological figure, this time set 3,000 years later in a dystopian future.
Orson Welles's "Chimes at Midnight" (1966), finally receiving a 4K restoration in 2024 from Janus Films, is a masterful adaptation of Shakespeare's Falstaff plays, focusing on the complex relationship between the aging knight and Prince Hal. The film portrays Falstaff not just as a comedic figure but also a tragic one, grappling with his own mortality and the prince's inevitable rejection. This restoration, supervised by Orson Welles expert and longtime champion Peter Bogdanovich, represents the fulfillment of Welles’s own wishes for the film's presentation and will allow audiences to experience this often-overlooked masterpiece in its intended form.
Hacker News users discussed the seeming paradox of Chimes at Midnight, a small, independent magazine achieving significant cultural impact despite its limited readership. Commenters praised the magazine's high production quality, unique content, and focus on in-depth exploration of niche topics. Some highlighted the power of physical objects and the tactile experience they offer in a digital world. Others drew parallels to the early days of the internet and the close-knit communities that formed around shared interests, suggesting Chimes at Midnight taps into a similar dynamic. The potential for small, focused publications to thrive in the current media landscape was a recurring theme, with several commenters noting the importance of catering to a specific, passionate audience rather than chasing mass appeal. A few expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of the magazine's business model, but the overall sentiment was one of admiration and cautious optimism.
Jan Miksovsky's blog post presents a humorous screenplay introducing the fictional programming language "Slowly." The screenplay satirizes common programming language tropes, including obscure syntax, fervent community debates, and the promise of effortless productivity. It follows the journey of a programmer attempting to learn Slowly, highlighting its counterintuitive features and the resulting frustration. The narrative emphasizes the language's glacial pace and convoluted approach to simple tasks, ultimately culminating in the programmer's realization that "Slowly" is ironically named and incredibly inefficient. The post is a playful commentary on the often-complex and occasionally absurd nature of learning new programming languages.
Hacker News users generally reacted positively to the screenplay format for introducing a programming language. Several commenters praised the engaging and creative approach, finding it a refreshing change from traditional tutorials. Some suggested it could be particularly effective for beginners, making the learning process less intimidating. A few pointed out the potential for broader applications of this format to other technical subjects. There was some discussion on the specifics of the chosen language (Janet) and its suitability for introductory purposes, with some advocating for more mainstream options. The practicality of using a screenplay for a full language tutorial was also questioned, with some suggesting it might be better suited as a brief introduction or for illustrating specific concepts. A common thread was the appreciation for the author's innovative attempt to make learning programming more accessible.
Summary of Comments ( 11 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43116403
Hacker News commenters discuss the success of Nezha 2, attributing it to factors beyond just domestic Chinese support. Some highlight the increasing quality of Chinese animation and storytelling, suggesting it's now attracting a wider international audience. Others mention the film's accessibility through streaming services, expanding its reach beyond theatrical releases. A few commenters express curiosity about how revenue is calculated and distributed with China's unique box office system and streaming landscape. Some also question the article's claim of "highest-grossing globally," pointing out that it omits Japanese anime films like Demon Slayer and Spirited Away which have higher lifetime grosses, and clarify that Nezha 2 is the highest-grossing non-US animated film. Finally, some comments touch upon the ongoing challenges and censorship within the Chinese film industry.
The Hacker News post titled "Nezha 2 becomes highest-grossing animated film globally" has generated several comments discussing the film's success and the broader context of the Chinese animation industry.
Several commenters express surprise and even skepticism about the film's box office numbers, particularly given its relative lack of international recognition. They question whether the figures accurately reflect genuine popularity or are potentially inflated. Some suggest the concentration of revenue within China raises questions about the global claim.
There's a discussion comparing the film's performance to other animated giants like Frozen and its sequels, highlighting the cultural specificity of certain animated films and how that impacts their global reach. Commenters note that while "Nezha 2" may be a major hit domestically, its success hasn't translated to the same level of international box office performance.
Some commenters discuss the rising prominence of Chinese animation, with "Nezha 2" serving as a prime example of this trend. They speculate about the potential for future Chinese animated films to achieve even greater global recognition.
A few comments touch upon the technical aspects and quality of Chinese animation, with some expressing admiration for the visual advancements showcased in films like "Nezha 2." Others suggest that while the technical prowess is evident, there's still room for improvement in storytelling and character development to truly compete on a global scale.
A couple of comments delve into the specific cultural references and mythology present in the "Nezha" franchise, which might be a barrier to broader international appeal. This ties into a larger conversation about the challenges of translating culturally specific narratives for a global audience.
Finally, there are some comments simply expressing interest in watching the film, demonstrating a degree of curiosity piqued by the news of its box office success.