"When the Wind Blows" - movie review

Fig. 1 – movie poster

“When the Wind Blows” is an animation from 1986 directed by Jimmy T. Murakami. If “The Triplets of Bellevue” was the frenchiest animation I’ve seen, this was the most English one for sure. I’ve never seen a film entirely driven by small talk and tea drinking. The thing that strikes immediately is the art style that gives you the illusion for another snowman Christmas story, but the tone of “When the Wind Blows” is way darker. What starts as naïve preparation for an eventual bombing turns the environment against the characters and even though they are trying really hard to maintain order they fail miserably. 

What makes the film exceptionally dark is the overall feeling of dread and even though some parts could be seen as funny when taken out of context, while watching, everything remains alarming. From the characters trying to contact their son on the phone after the bomb, to the futile attempts of turning the telly on. A lot could be said about mood. The feeling that prevails is indeed very monotonous and secluded. Perhaps intentional to emphasize the remoteness of the couple and maybe to point out how war really affects the life of people that are not in the middle of the action. Point of view plays a major role in the film and the camera angles are impressive at times. Perspective is well utilised in story terms as well. Choosing to portray a middle class family to show the horrors and effects of war works better for me, than showing soldiers killing each other somewhere far away.

James and Hilda Bloggs remain undeterred even after their bodies are badly poisoned by radiation and they keep on trying to spruce up the house. It is sad, but in the same time as a viewer I remained very detached by what was happening. 

Technically the blend between drawn animation and stop-motion was very well executed. Especially when the camera moves inside the interior of the house, giving the film a 3^rd dimension. I am not entirely convinced by the blend between live action war scenes and animation though, but I can see how it helped putting the story into context and making the characters more believable to the viewer. 

Overall “When the Wind Blows” is a perfect product of its times and represents a bygone era of war rumours and terror. Thinking about it makes me appreciate that I grew up in the 90s and that wasn’t part of my childhood. 

The characters remain positive until the very end and I am very happy there wasn’t a scene where they were shown dead. The film cuts intelligently mid-prayer and enhances the dreadful feeling that it creates.

Illustration:

Fig 1 – movie poster - Ecx.images-amazon.com. (2016). [online] Available at: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vtN5pPeHL._AC_UL320_SR238,320_.jpg [Accessed 10 Mar. 2016].

"The Triplets of Belleville" - movie review

Fig. 1 – movie poster

“The Triplets of Belleville” is a 2003 animated film directed by Sylvain Chomet. The film immediately grasps the viewers’ attention with its incredible style and visual comedy. The first scene could be considered racist and a particularly bold decision from the director, however it could be excused as it was referring to different times. I particularly liked how the environment was constantly changing and was reflecting the inner struggles of the characters. The characters are undertaking transformations as well. From the glamorous triplets we see at the start to three old and tired performers that lead a very sad and curious existence. From a young puppy to a grown and cuddly beast and so on. Maybe the only character that remains constant is the grandmother, and seeing as she represents unconditional love and devotion it really makes sense for her to be herself throughout the film.

Another striking thing about the film is the lack of dialogue. The narrative is driven by actions and expressions and it really works. We all knew the story without it being narrated. The excellent blend between 2d and 3d animation was tasteful as well, even though I don’t think the 3d elements were enhancing any of the story. Instead of a 3d vehicle which Bruno the dog rides in his dreams, I would’ve happily settled for a more low-fi version of that, that was hand drawn to keep up with the traditional feeling, but that’s just my personal preference.

Even though the film was lacking a dialogue, and I jumped slightly when I heard the main character finally speak at the end, the music and singing was infectious and I still have the tune stuck in my head. The sounds really enhanced the characters too. Particularly the small mechanic guy that was clearly based on a mouse, his sneeze was combined with the high-pitched squeak of an actual mouse and I thought that is an excellent detail.

Overall the film was immensely fun and worth watching, the world it creates is really fun to look at and there was some really great attention to detail in the way America is portrayed for instance. The statue of liberty holding a burger is a particular favourite of mine and the misspelling of Hollywood with Hollyfood. The French vibe was unmistakable too.

Illustration:

Fig. 1 – Movie poster - Upload.wikimedia.org, (2016). [online] Available at: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9e/Triplets_of_Belleville-Poster.jpg [Accessed 3 Mar. 2016].

"Persepolis" - movie review

(fig. 1 – movie poster)

“Persepolis” is an animated film from 2007 directed by Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud. The film is an adaptation of the graphic novel created by Satrapi and tells the story of growing up in Iran and eventually Europe in-between a war and a revolution. The first thing that strikes the viewer while watching is the muted colour palette that quickly turns into only a black and white rendition that works so well on the screen. The graphical style of the animation communicates the story in a truly elegant way and not a single scene is left to feel boring or unloved.

The story itself is really touching. A girl that is born in a country that stands on a politically shaky ground has to discover where she belongs and filter government propaganda from the truth. I think what makes the message so successful is the light-heartedness of the overall style, it makes a point and it doesn’t leave a bitter aftertaste, just a lot of compassion and understanding. The comedy is very subtle at places too, making the animation flow seamlessly without forcing a reaction out of the audience. In that sense I think “Persepolis” serves its purpose – it tells a compelling and real story that transforms and not just demands a reaction.

Another very sweet part of the story is how Marjane is physically growing up while all the chaos is happening in her country. It adds another dimension to the feeling of unrest and constant flow, the physical transformation being part of a mental and political one. And even though Marjane has to leave her country, scared of what might happen, she remains the same character and is a great example of the Hero’s journey. Once she returns, she feels like everything is the same and yet slightly different and is more aware of the oppression and limits that are not a norm for her anywhere else.

What would make the film more authentic perhaps is not watching it dubbed in English and incorporating subtitles that work with the animation like in a graphic novel. Nevertheless the film still has a very strong presence and a feeling of truth behind it. It also suggests that this could happen in any country at any time and freedom is a very, very precious thing.

“Persepolis” is a wonderful example of a film adapted from a graphic novel and a breath of fresh air with its bold style and compelling story. I would give it 5* but I feel like that is not enough. The depth of the animation is what speaks for itself and I’ll be sure to watch it a few more times.

Illustration:

Fig. 1 – movie poster - Flickeringmyth.com, (2016). [online] Available at: http://www.flickeringmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/7279175.3.jpg [Accessed 25 Feb. 2016].

"Waltz with Bashir" movie review

(Fig 1 – movie poster)

“Waltz with Bashir” is a film directed in 2008 by Ari Folman.  Maybe the best selling point about the animation is how the director was able to visualise the visions, dreams and stories of the people interviewed. The overall feeling is like watching a documentary with very surreal graphics at places. The only thing that keeps the viewer from actually criticizing the movie is the sensitive subject covered throughout. The story is indeed shocking and it could be argued that leaving the viewers with a bitter aftertaste is what we are supposed to feel and how we are supposed to react. It also covers themes like memory perhaps criticizing modern society for their forgetfulness about the horrors experienced not-so-long-ago. 

Technically the film is beautifully executed and creates a very well thought through atmosphere. For instance there is an overall “sluggish” feeling in the movements of the characters but that fits perfectly with the subtitles, giving you enough time to actually read and watch at the same time. The limited colour scheme works really well as well and the transitions between the real world and dreams/nightmares were working perfectly by simply changing the colours of the scenes. The ending of the film however, destroys the well-executed animated world and forces the viewer into the reality of war and death. It really is uncomfortable watching it, but it contributes to the reality of this film.

Personally I find military films distasteful and I don’t see how talking about war and violence does any good to the people watching it. It also has no entertaining value – it simply offers a blunt view on agony and death. There is always an undergoing theme as well of comradery and heroism depending on which point of view the film is made. As I said in the beginning of my review I cannot really judge the film because of the sensitive topic. I liked it technically but I wouldn’t watch it again. 

Illustration:

Fig. 1 – movie poster - Gstatic.com, (2016). [online] Available at: http://www.gstatic.com/tv/thumb/movieposters/187168/p187168_p_v8_ab.jpg [Accessed 11 Feb. 2016].