The Legend of Hei 2

The Legend of Hei, released in 2019 and followed by its prequel, The Legend of Hei 2, originated as a web animation series created by the Chinese animator MTJJ. Produced by Beijing HMCH Anime, the project began as a humble passion project that gained massive popularity for its unique blend of traditional Chinese aesthetics and dynamic, fluid action choreography. The films were crafted to expand the lore of the original web series, focusing on a young cat spirit and his struggle to navigate a world caught between human advancement and the preservation of nature.

The design of the film reflects a meticulous approach to 2D animation, prioritizing expressive character acting and painterly backgrounds that lean into traditional ink-wash influences. The directorial style of MTJJ and the team at HMCH sought to modernize the wuxia genre by grounding it in a whimsical, character-driven narrative. Upon its release, the film was lauded by both domestic and international audiences for its technical sophistication and its gentle, thoughtful storytelling, ultimately securing a significant place in the contemporary landscape of Chinese independent animation.