New Gods: Nezha Reborn

The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Li Yunxiang works as a delivery driver in Donghai City, a gritty cyberpunk metropolis where he lives a hard but honest life, unaware of his divine heritage as Nezha's reincarnation.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.

The inciting incident occurs at 15 minutes when Yunxiang's childhood friend is killed by the Dragon Clan, and he witnesses the brutal murder. This personal loss ignites his desire for vengeance and sets him on a collision course with the Ao family.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.

The First Threshold at 29 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Yunxiang makes the active choice to embrace his destiny as Nezha reborn. He commits to fighting the Dragon Clan, accepting that this path may cost him everything but is the right thing to do., moving from reaction to action.

At 59 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat False defeat: Yunxiang confronts a powerful Dragon Clan enforcer and barely survives. He realizes the Dragons are far more powerful than expected, and Ao Guang, the Dragon King, now knows about him and marks him for death., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.

The Collapse moment at 88 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Kasha is mortally wounded protecting Yunxiang from Ao Guang's attack. Her apparent death represents the "whiff of death" and shatters Yunxiang's confidence. He loses hope and questions whether his rebellion has only brought more suffering., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.

The Second Threshold at 94 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Yunxiang fully accepts his identity as Nezha - not as a burden of fate, but as a chosen responsibility. He synthesizes his modern human compassion with his ancient divine power, understanding that true strength comes from fighting for others, not revenge., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.