The Legend of Hei: Die Kraft in Dir

Dating back to 2011, the mysterious independent producer MTJJ created the character of Luo Xiao-Hei and animated TV series as well. With stick figure style yet marvelous storyline and profound worldview, the series captured millions of viewers and considered to be the shining star of domestic animation. Though facing difficulties of fund and staff shortages, MTJJ never gave up and keep on serializing to 28 short episodes, about 2 hours in total, till this day with the help of a team consists of few people. That's why the 100 mins long 2D animated film with the same name set off a fan carnival this summer. Not only the smooth painting style can be compared to world famous Studio Ghibli and Kyoto Animation, the intimate growing up tale also touched the innermost feelings of audiences, let along Easter eggs hidden everywhere and homage paying to classics. Last but not least, the film portraits a true Chinese style atmosphere with a glimpse of ancient and modern China together. The movie do have a relatively slow pacing of daily life stories In the first half which may cause some audience fell a little bit dull. Whatever the flaws, it still resembles a milestone of modern day 2D Chinese animated films

This is a big effort in 2D animation for China, trying very hard to deliver a product that could be at the same time exciting and profound and that has the look of a blockbuster Japanese Anime, more specifically the Studio Ghibli ones. And the end result manages to work in some occasions and to look quite the part, but still suffers from some pacing problems and a lack of emotional focus at times. Also, the way the story develops ends up being quite conventional, but for the most part it's an enjoyable film.

The animation used in The Legend of Hei is very vibrant and colorful, but the style reminds me so much of Goku or Dragonball Z; and is definitely not up to the same level or standards as the Studio Ghibli films. The fact that this is a story about good vs evil and superpowers and the hero had to choose who lives and who dies gives rise that they may have taken some ideas from Superman, but maybe not. That might just be a coincidence. It's probably not a movie to be shown to smaller children as it is rated PG-13 and does show quite an abundance of fighting; although looking at the cover art and the little cat, it looks pretty harmless.

If you're into anime or foreign films, this is definitely a movie you might want to see, especially if you don't mind reading the captions at the bottom of the screen. If not, then they do have an English dubbed version but the words are completely different, but it may be easier to follow. Legend of Hei definitely didn't hold my attention as much as Ponyo or Red Turtle.

At the beginning, I always thought that the rise of Guoman meant the picture rather than the plot, but now I know what the real rise of Guoman is. Just this plot, picture, clip and soundtrack have reached the world level. Unexpectedly, douban'er fell from 9.0 to 8.2! It's a pity that the film didn't show in America, otherwise it would have won the Oscar.

This is a very peaceful movie. You will not know when it will end. The scenes are very beautiful. It is one of my favourite animations.