Thursday 20 July 2017

Thursday Movie Picks: The Chosen One



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