Wolfwalkers is the kind of animated film that reminds you of the real and universal artistic merit of animation as a medium. Its gorgeous visuals, mature storytelling, and commitment to artistic integrity make Wolfwalkers a gem to behold. Far too often, western audiences tend to believe (falsely, I might add) that animation is strictly for children. As such, the bulk of animated entertainment here in the west is relegated to wacky, colorful babysitting tools starring obnoxious and cringe-inducing yellow tic-tac’s whose only joke is proclaiming “BANANA” after a poorly timed pratfall.
But I digress.
Set in a remote Irish village in the 1600s, the story follows Robyn (Honor Kneafsey) and her father, Bill (Sean Bean). Bill is a Wolfhunter tasked with clearing the creatures out of the nearby woods to expand their farmland, under the order of their Lord Protector (Simon McBurney), who rules over the village with an iron fist. Robyn, eager to prove her worth as a hunter to her father, sneaks out past the village gate to find and kill some Wolves. Instead, she finds herself making friends with a wild young girl named Mebh (Eva Whittaker), who happens to be a legendary Wolfwalker: a magical person who can communicate and live with the Wolves. Not to mention turning into a Wolf while asleep. Upon sparking this new friendship and understanding of the Wolf kind, Robyn takes it upon herself to save her people, and the Wolves, by trying her best to find a peaceful solution to everyone's problems. A task easier said than done.
This film is apparently the third of director Tomm Moore’s “Irish Folklore Trilogy.” The first two being The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea. While Wolfwalkers may not be my favorite of the three, it is still a wonderful work of art with as much, if not more, of the charm that can be expected of this little Irish studio.
As you likely guessed from the beginning of this review, the animation is absolutely breathtaking. Not only because of the fact that it’s traditional hand-drawn but also in its overall sense of style and presentation. The whole film feels like a storybook illustrations come to life. The film takes full advantage of its two-dimensional plane and makes it feel as real as jumping off the page. Character models and backgrounds feel tangible.
The voice acting is especially fantastic. Comprised of a few seasoned veterans and a few new-comers, the cast succeeds in delivering an uncanny level of humanity to their animated roles. Especially the young Honor Kneafsey, who voices Robyn, the protagonist, with such energy and conviction. I believe this young lass has a bright future ahead of her, and I look forward to seeing her again in the future.
Wolfwalkers is a must-watch. See it for its beauty, compelling story, dynamic characters; for whatever reason, please just see it. It deserves to be viewed and admired.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
No comments:
Post a Comment