The Guardian (2017) User Reviews

An very unique Chinese animation

[cococat-93928 · 8/10 · 16 May 2019]

I know the few reviewers who are writing here are trying to see this movie through a political light and are dissappointed. But from my perspective as a person who is simply watching to appreciate an animated story, I think this movie is very interesting in its storyline, concept and its unique artstyle which hasn't yet been seen in Chinese animation. This movie is filled with metaphors and philosophical questions on what it means to be human, the control and manipulation of the general population to benefit the few who want to remain in power and the power of love and kindness. There are a lot of hidden messages which is left for the viewer to savour and a lot of questions are left open for the viewer's imagination. Given the strict censorship laws in China, I think the writers and producers made a very brave attempt at self-expression. The artistic expression is something I haven't yet seen before in Chinese animation which has been a through-provoking and refreshing watch. This movie won't appeal to all audiences. It is also not very suitable for young children. If you want to watch this movie, try to take it with an open mind. Perhaps you will reap more harvest that way.

Chinese revolution

[baronkreight · 8/10 · 1 December 2019]

I see this movie as an anthem to chinese revolution. The red guy is in the center of the fight against the lying and corrupted capitalistic fake god. The people rebel in the end. The prince is the face of chinese history and its people. Wonderful movie. No wonder it is not popular in the West.

The worst animated film ever

[TheBigSick · 6 October 2017]

This film fails in almost every technical sense. Most notably, the animation of this film is the worst I have ever seen, and is much worse than that in Pinocchio, a 1940 Disney film, let alone some more modern films. The scenes and characters are particularly poorly drawn. The storytelling is also quite confusing and it seems that the director really struggles with telling what the film is about.

Disappointing movie for us Chinese political dissident

[z-56787 · 1/10 · 31 July 2017]

The Chinese Commies Youth League WeChat Official Account,One of the mouthpieces of the Chinese government,said Da Hu Fa is"full of malevolent political metaphors".Therefore,I thought this animation is an excellent political satire on authoritarianism like "1984",and excitedly rushed to cinema to watch it,even fell down on the road and broke my knees.However,it turns out that Da Hu Fa was an awful movie with terrible plot,lines and dubbing.Busifan,the film writer,has poor storytelling skill.He could not tell this story clearly and completely,despite of his big ambition to express some thoughtful and profound things through movie.