The Legend of Hei 2 (2025) Review: Spirit World Sequel Soars With Heart

This The Legend of Hei 2 review starts with a simple point: the sequel feels like a confident step up for a beloved animated world. Directed by Gu Jie and MTJJ, it mixes action, mystery and heart in a two-hour adventure from China. If you have followed Hei since the first film, this one rewards your loyalty.

The Legend of Hei 2 Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The plot begins with a shock. An attack breaks the uneasy peace between the spirit world and the human world, and suspicion starts to spread. Hei, the cat spirit at the centre of the series, is pulled into the fallout.

He partners with Luye, the last disciple of his master Wuxian. Together they set out to expose a conspiracy that could drag both realms into conflict. The mission also tests the bond between them and the promise they made to protect it.

The film runs 119 minutes and was released in China on 18 July 2025. It is a Mandarin-language production, and the original title is Luo Xiaohei Zhanji 2. You can find more films in this vein in our Animation movie reviews.

What Works in The Legend of Hei 2

The biggest strength is the way the film balances its tone. It offers quiet, character-driven scenes alongside large action set pieces, and neither feels rushed. The mystery at the core keeps the story moving without turning it into a puzzle box.

The emotional thread is just as strong. Loyalty, trust and the weight of duty sit at the centre of the story, and they give the fights real stakes. When the film slows down, it earns its moments rather than padding them.

• Worldbuilding: the spirit world feels lived in, with its own rules and tensions.

• Pacing: the mystery unfolds steadily across the runtime.

• Emotion: the bond between Hei and Luye anchors every big scene.

Fans of the genre will also enjoy how the sequel treats its fantasy setting with care. If you like this style, browse our Action movie reviews for similar picks.

The Legend of Hei 2 Cast and Performances

The Mandarin voice cast is the heart of the film. Xin Shan voices Luo Xiaohei, and Liu Mingyue returns as Wuxian. Zhu Jing plays Luye, the senior disciple who becomes Hei's key ally.

The supporting cast includes Luan Lisheng as Lingyao, Fu Chen Yang as Chi Nian and Yan Ling as A. Each voice fits its character well, and the performances give the animation a warm, human texture.

Hei and Luye

The dynamic between the two leads is the film's emotional engine. Their scenes mix humour, tension and tenderness, and the voice work sells every shift. That chemistry carries the story through its heavier moments.

Where The Legend of Hei 2 Stumbles

Newcomers may feel a little behind. The film assumes some familiarity with the first story and its world, so a few relationships and rules land with less impact if you have not seen the earlier film.

At almost two hours, the middle stretch can also feel dense. A handful of side characters get little room to develop, and the conspiracy asks for close attention. These are small complaints against a strong whole.

Is The Legend of Hei 2 Worth Watching?

Yes, it is well worth watching, especially if you enjoy animated fantasy with real emotional weight. The audience response backs that up, with a 9/10 score from 159 votes on TMDB, and we agree with that enthusiasm.

The film combines confident direction, a satisfying mystery and a likeable cast. It does not need spectacle to work, though it has plenty. For fans of the first film it is an easy recommendation, and for newcomers it is a rewarding reason to catch up.

If you want more fantasy-flavoured picks afterwards, try our Fantasy movie reviews.

Who Will Enjoy The Legend of Hei 2

• Fans of the first Legend of Hei film who want to see the story continue.

• Viewers who love animated action with mystery and emotional depth.

• Anyone curious about Chinese animation and its richly imagined spirit worlds.