The blockbuster film Nezha: The Devil's Rebirth has captivated global audiences, emerging as a cinematic phenomenon. While its stunning visuals and imaginative artistry deserve praise, the tightly woven, logically compelling plot is equally responsible for its success. The narrative is full of unexpected yet reasonable twists, engaging viewers through intellectual surprise as much as spectacle.
One of the most striking moments occurs when Shen Xiaobao, with his dying breath, accuses Nezha of attacking their father. Yet, his brother Shen Gongbao quickly uncovers the real culprit through careful reasoning. This scene is a masterclass in logical deduction and narrative reversal.
Let’s revisit what happened.
Nezha travels to the Yuxu Palace to undertake an immortalhood assessment. Success would grant him access to the Elixir of Immortality, which can revive the Seven-Colored Lotus and help Ao Bing regain physical form. In the trial’s second phase, Nezha joins a demon-capturing team targeting Shen Gongbao’s father, Shen Zhengdao, and his followers.
Shen Zhengdao has always aspired to attain immortal status through diligent practice, not conflict. During a confrontation, he loses an arm. His son, Shen Xiaobao, arrives just in time to witness this and assumes Nezha is responsible. Tensions flare instantly. Wounded by an arrow from the captor team’s leader, Lu Tong, Shen Xiaobao flees to Chentang Pass. Before dying, he tells Shen Gongbao, “It was Nezha who attacked our father.”
Contrary to audience expectations, Shen Gongbao doesn’t seek revenge on Nezha’s parents in a blind rage. Instead, he examines his brother’s wound, recognizes it was caused by Lu Tong’s arrow, and deduces that the mastermind is Lu Tong’s mentor, the immortal Wu Liang.
This series of reversals leaves viewers reflecting: Why was Shen Xiaobao so quick to judge? Could his tragedy have been avoided? And how was Shen Gongbao so perceptive?
A closer look reveals that both brothers’ conclusions were rational—but based on vastly different information. When we reason, we draw conclusions from premises that include not only immediate observations or what we are told but also prior knowledge, assumptions, and, yes, prejudices.
Shen Xiaobao didn’t have the audience’s omniscient view. He only saw Nezha fighting his father, who then lost an arm. Based on this observation and common sense, he naturally concluded Nezha was responsible.
Shen Gongbao, however, as the former head of the Yuxu Palace’s demon-capturing team, was deeply familiar with Wu Liang’s methods and the team’s operational tendencies. Combining Shen Xiaobao’s account, the evidence of Lu Tong’s arrow, and his own prior knowledge, he instantly recognized Wu Liang’s scheme: sending Nezha on the mission to sow discord, shift blame, and profit from the chaos.
Audiences might see Shen Xiaobao as rash and Shen Gongbao as clever simply because they themselves possess more information than Xiaobao but less than Gongbao. It’s worth asking: What would we conclude if we only knew what Shen Xiaobao knew? What if we had Shen Gongbao’s experience and insight?
In Nezha: The Devil’s Rebirth, Shen Gongbao famously says, “Prejudice is like a mountain—no matter how hard you try, you can’t move it.” From a reasoning standpoint, many of the premises we rely on are forms of prejudice. Acquired knowledge, theories, impressions, and stereotypes all serve as cognitive shortcuts—for better or worse.
Prejudice isn’t necessarily negative; it’s a neutral and unavoidable part of human cognition. We use it to learn, solve problems, or even solve crimes. We can also challenge and overcome it to make new discoveries.
To better evaluate our own and others’ reasoning, one step is key: strive for an external perspective. Identify the assumptions and prejudices underlying any logical conclusion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is logical reasoning in storytelling?
Logical reasoning in narratives refers to how characters use observation, prior knowledge, and deduction to make decisions or solve problems. It adds depth and believability, allowing plot twists to feel surprising yet justified.
Why did Shen Xiaobao wrongly blame Nezha?
Shen Xiaobao based his conclusion on limited information—seeing Nezha present during his father’s injury. Without knowing the full context or others’ motivations, his inference, while incorrect, was understandable given what he saw.
How did Shen Gongbao identify the real culprit?
Shen Gongbao combined multiple clues: his brother’s account, the specific weapon used, and his understanding of the involved parties’ histories and tactics. This holistic view enabled him to see through the misdirection.
What role does prejudice play in reasoning?
Prejudice—here meaning pre-existing knowledge or bias—shapes how we interpret new information. It can aid quick decisions but can also mislead if not questioned. Effective reasoning requires awareness of these influences.
Can audiences typically detect reasoning errors in stories?
Often, yes. Audiences with more context than characters can spot errors or gaps in reasoning. This dramatic irony builds engagement, as viewers anticipate when and how misunderstandings will be resolved.
How can one improve logical reasoning skills?
Practice identifying assumptions, seeking diverse information, and considering alternative explanations. Reflecting on real and fictional examples, like this one, helps sharpen analytical abilities over time.