Going in a different direction of 'the
chosen one' with a theme within a theme. There are quite a few 'children’s'
films out there which have a 'chosen one' type prophecy happening.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
A Studio Ghibli film that I didn't
enjoy at first as I found it too confusing. Set in a post-apocalyptic distant
future where gigantic mutated insects inhabit the jungles. Nausicaäis the
fearless, animal loving adventurous princess of the Valley of the Wind. A
neighbouring kingdom take over the valley murdering Nausicaä's father and plan
to kill the big bugs which actually play an important part in keeping the world
together. Nausicaä tries to save her people as well the bugs from the invading
army. Upon a second watch the film was actually pretty good. Seen as a cry out
to save the environment and showing a girl as the hero of the day, the film
morphs into something else and quire far from just being a kids
movie.
Kubo and Two Strings
Following on from disturbing as hell
but brilliant Coraline (which I love) and Paranorman (which I very much
enjoyed), we have our hero, Kubo, a young boy with one eye who has the
power/skill to create magic when he plays his shamisen. Left all alone in the
world, as he father, a great warrior, was killed in battle and his mother, died
protecting him, he begins a quest to fight the evil Moon King who hunts him
down, wanting his other eye. It seems complicated but when you watch it,
everything falls into place. My only qualm about the film is that Japanese
actors do not voice the main characters. Had to say it. Kubo ends up on a quest
with a snow monkey and giant beetle and it is in part amusing but above all
else a beautifully made heartbreaking story. Laika really know how to get to
you.
Moana
This was the big breakthrough movie NOT
Frozen. Moana broke free from the generic 'princess tale' which the characters
even make fun of in the story. Moana may be the daughter of the chief and will
one day take up the position but the oceans calls to her, which seems at first
a need for adventure but in fact there is a reason why the ocean chose her. Her
world is slowly dying, being poisoned. She needs to restore the heart of
'mother nature' island goddess, Te Fiti that was stolen by demigod Maui. She
journeys across the ocean, with a reluctant Maui, fighting weird monsters and
learning about her true calling, he be a voyager. Marking the first time Disney
has had a Polynesian 'princess' and the first time there is no love interest,
which is a huge step. The best part is that you don't need or notice this
latter fact. The story is about Moana and her quest. This is what
we've been waiting for.
Don't forget to check out where it all started over at