The art style of this animated film is arresting--you cannot see the film and not have a reaction. While hard to completely describe, it looks like the art of the Disney show "Kim Possible" merged with the art of Eric Carle. While I would never want a steady diet of this, it is quite creative and artistic--something that can't be said about most animation. Also, at times, it appears as if the characters are walking on letters from an ancient illuminated manuscript.
The story is set in Ireland during the Middle Ages. A young orphan boy is being raised in by monks who are working on preserving their secrets through writing. When sent on a task to retrieve berries needed for an ink, the boy meets up with a very strange and magical girl. Who is she and what awaits them? Tune in and see this very strange film set during the era of Viking raids and monasticism.
You notice I said 'strange'. It is NOT a film most kids would enjoy and even adults might find it all too bizarre. At about the time this was released, "Ponyo" was released here in the States--and by comparison, "Ponyo" is a pretty normal film!! Dark, confusing and not 100% kid-friendly, this is one you certainly wouldn't want to show to young kids, as they'd quickly get bored or confused or scared when the Vikings begin killing and plundering. As a weird history lesson infused with mysticism, it is pretty good, however...but you must be very patient, indeed, to enjoy this one.
You won't confuse this one for "Up"!
The story is set in Ireland during the Middle Ages. A young orphan boy is being raised in by monks who are working on preserving their secrets through writing. When sent on a task to retrieve berries needed for an ink, the boy meets up with a very strange and magical girl. Who is she and what awaits them? Tune in and see this very strange film set during the era of Viking raids and monasticism.
You notice I said 'strange'. It is NOT a film most kids would enjoy and even adults might find it all too bizarre. At about the time this was released, "Ponyo" was released here in the States--and by comparison, "Ponyo" is a pretty normal film!! Dark, confusing and not 100% kid-friendly, this is one you certainly wouldn't want to show to young kids, as they'd quickly get bored or confused or scared when the Vikings begin killing and plundering. As a weird history lesson infused with mysticism, it is pretty good, however...but you must be very patient, indeed, to enjoy this one.
You won't confuse this one for "Up"!