From “Family-State Unity” to “Individual Awakening” The Evolution of Musical Values in Nezha Conquers the Dragon King and Nezha 2: The Devil Boy Churns the Sea in the Context of Chinese Social Transformation

Abstract

As two classic works from different eras in the Nezha film series, Nezha Conquers the Dragon King (1979) and Nezha 2: The Devil Boy Churns the Sea (2025) occupy crucial positions in the evolution of Chinese cinema. Through a comparative analysis of their musical compositions, this study identifies three significant transformative trajectories. First, there is a shift from the innovative integration of traditional Chinese instruments like chime bells and bamboo flutes with symphonic music to the intense collision between suona ensembles and electronic music. Second, the acoustic structure has evolved from hierarchical and strictly divided forms to freely collaged electronic pulses. Third, the musical rhythms have transitioned from being collectivist-oriented under the planned economy to individualistic styles shaped by the market economy. These changes in musical values not only disclose the internal logic of the development of Chinese animated film music from traditional aesthetic paradigms to modern pluralistic styles but also deeply reflect China’s ideological transformation from collectivism to individualism over five decades, as well as the influence of economic restructuring on musical creation. Examining the musical value systems of these two films offers a unique auditory perspective for understanding contemporary Chinese cultural ecology. It also provides referential models for the innovative development and creative transformation of traditional culture in the digital age through musical narratives. By systematically analyzing the inheritance of cultural genes and temporal innovations in the musical creations of these two generations, this study contributes to constructing the identity of Chinese animated film music in the global context, offers theoretical support for improving China’s film music theoretical framework and exploring future development paths. As a result, it strengthens the reconstruction of Chinese cultural discourse in international communication and promotes creative breakthroughs and sustainable development within the paradigm of global cultural exchange.