Wolfwalkers (B+ or 3.5/4 stars)
'Wolfwalkers' (created by Award-winning Irish animators Tomm Moore & Ross Stewart, of The Secret of Kells & Song of the Sea), is a folktale about pagan Celtic spirits. In 17th century Kilkenny {a time & place of superstition & magic}, we're introduced to the recently-instated English Lord Protector (voiced by Simon McBurney) who puts hunter Bill Goodfellowe (Sean Bean) to work ridding the forest of a pack of wolves so that the townsfolk can clear the land. Widowed Bill has just traveled from England with his young daughter, Robyn (Honor Kneafsey), who also considers herself an apprentice hunter -- she heads off to help him. There in the woods, she encounters said wolves, which injure her beloved pet falcon, Merlin.
While exploring the forbidden woods just outside of the city walls, Robyn befriends a free-spirited young feral girl named Mebh (Eva Whitaker), who turns out to be a member of a mysterious tribe rumored to have the ability to leave their human form during sleep & transform into a wolf by night. As they search for Mebh's missing mother, Moll (Maria Doyle Kennedy), Queen of the Wolfwalkers, Robyn discovers that she has been captured by humans while in wolf form. Drawn deeper into the enchanted world of the Wolfwalkers, in wanting to help Mehb & Moll, Robyn risks turning into the very thing her father is tasked to eradicate.
Not unlike The Secret of Kells & Song of the Sea, Moore & Stewart once again deliver a lush, gorgeously animated, emotionally resonant Irish folktale. This movie focuses on the special relationship btwn. wide-eyed English huntress Robyn & her Irish wolfwalker bestie, Mebh -- both of whom want to help each other out, and both of whom adore the one parent each has. The animation here is just breathtakingly beautiful. No, it doesn't contain the CGI of a Pixar masterpiece {i.e., this yr.'s Soul}, but the geometric, hand drawn quality it has is just scintillating; reminding me, in parts, of 1959's Sleeping Beauty. While the town is dark & drab with hard lines & scowling human faces, the enchanted forest comes alive in leafy greens & earthy browns, with vibrant flourishes that draw the eye to every part of the screen. And I particularly appreciated the inventive handling of the shifts btwn. the human & the ethereal wolf incarnations of the animation. Stunning.
'Wolfwalkers' is about the abuse of power & an exploration of how colonialism can erase local culture; a story of English occupiers caring naught for Irish people or the magical, mystical beauty of the land ... only what it can provide for THEM. I love that the main characters here fight for their right to exist in an increasingly hostile, unsympathetic environment. I also love the atmospheric Celtic music score which aids the tale's emotional beats. Now, I wasn't blown away by the film -- could have been more narratively engaging. But I admire its spellbinding, poetic quality. 'Wolfwalkers' is a life-affirming, if bittersweet movie about Ireland's enduring spiritual qualities. And I love how it promotes sisterhood, empathy, courage & teamwork.
While exploring the forbidden woods just outside of the city walls, Robyn befriends a free-spirited young feral girl named Mebh (Eva Whitaker), who turns out to be a member of a mysterious tribe rumored to have the ability to leave their human form during sleep & transform into a wolf by night. As they search for Mebh's missing mother, Moll (Maria Doyle Kennedy), Queen of the Wolfwalkers, Robyn discovers that she has been captured by humans while in wolf form. Drawn deeper into the enchanted world of the Wolfwalkers, in wanting to help Mehb & Moll, Robyn risks turning into the very thing her father is tasked to eradicate.
Not unlike The Secret of Kells & Song of the Sea, Moore & Stewart once again deliver a lush, gorgeously animated, emotionally resonant Irish folktale. This movie focuses on the special relationship btwn. wide-eyed English huntress Robyn & her Irish wolfwalker bestie, Mebh -- both of whom want to help each other out, and both of whom adore the one parent each has. The animation here is just breathtakingly beautiful. No, it doesn't contain the CGI of a Pixar masterpiece {i.e., this yr.'s Soul}, but the geometric, hand drawn quality it has is just scintillating; reminding me, in parts, of 1959's Sleeping Beauty. While the town is dark & drab with hard lines & scowling human faces, the enchanted forest comes alive in leafy greens & earthy browns, with vibrant flourishes that draw the eye to every part of the screen. And I particularly appreciated the inventive handling of the shifts btwn. the human & the ethereal wolf incarnations of the animation. Stunning.
'Wolfwalkers' is about the abuse of power & an exploration of how colonialism can erase local culture; a story of English occupiers caring naught for Irish people or the magical, mystical beauty of the land ... only what it can provide for THEM. I love that the main characters here fight for their right to exist in an increasingly hostile, unsympathetic environment. I also love the atmospheric Celtic music score which aids the tale's emotional beats. Now, I wasn't blown away by the film -- could have been more narratively engaging. But I admire its spellbinding, poetic quality. 'Wolfwalkers' is a life-affirming, if bittersweet movie about Ireland's enduring spiritual qualities. And I love how it promotes sisterhood, empathy, courage & teamwork.