O Filho da Égua Branca

Alright! We're talking about high-quality movie-making here! Its experimental way is the films strongest feature. Or its keenness about traditionalism? Its up to you, to decide which pars you like better: the funky, vibrant colors, and wacky-trippy movement, or the heavy use of traditional, middle-European folk ornaments?

The white mare give gives birth to a son once again, who grows to be strong enough, to defeat the evil ones, who keep the three beautiful princess' as captives... and even, to find his long lost, and just as powerful brothers on his journey.

The plot for this one has been mixed together, from folktales all around the globe (but mostly, they're from middle-Europe, and eastern, nomad tribes), which makes the story familiar for almost everyone, from everywhere. It reaches back into our most ancient collective memories, and bring up something, that might even be forgotten.

The new-age look of some aspects of this movie, and the respect for folk traditions, surprisingly makes a totally coherent, and unbelievably powerful whole. Which makes it Marcell Jankovics's best directional work ever. This film earned his righteous place, amongst the "world's best fifty animated-films ever", at Los Angeles' animation Olympic.

Anyone, who likes animation, experimental film-making, or just GOOD MOVIES, simply must see this one. No exceptions!

This is remarkable just for going so far out on a limb in terms of feature animation--an entire movie (Hungarian yet!) of sort of Peter Max-type psychedelic visuals in almost blinding day-glo colors. If you were to watch it very stoned on a big screen, it would probably be an incredible experience. Watched sober on a smaller screen, it's basically 80 minutes of very pretty, groovy graphics that are nonetheless somewhat monotonous in impact. The style is a lot like vintage 60s/70s poster art, more about creating a striking design than providing any detailed sense of character or story. So the heroes' quest (based on Hungarian folk tales) is not very involving or exciting, even when they combat dragons--everything is tastefully (if also eye-poppingly) abstract, the protagonists are not much more expressive than stick figures. "White Mane" is a singular achievement, and I'm glad it was made. But it's easier to admire than to love.

Mind-blowing animation experience!!!

The level of artistry is unbelievable. Marcell Jankovics uses every millisecond to add something new and fascinating. So if possible, do not blink while watching this film.

I had no idea what to expect while starting but in the first 3 minutes it took me to a new, symbol filled, psychedelic new dimension. Maybe the best thing about the movie is, even though it's a heavy art bombardment with non-stop transitions between symbols, you never lose the story. Somehow, you can understand every little detail (most of the time unconsciously). I believe it's a great achievement.

It also manages to talk to your primitive side. Since it's a mix of ancient tales, you somehow feel a connection to what's told in an instinctive way. You may get this kind of feeling in Tom Moore's flicks like "Song of The Sea" and "The Secret of Kells". But in "Son of the White Mare" it's so raw and different like it was made by our ancestors, thousands of years ago.

In an age where they use same well-researched story structures over and over, seeing something this uniquely told and majestic makes you feel renewed. It's a must-see for everyone. And the best news is, you can watch it on Youtube!!!

Marcell Jankovics claimed he never used drugs but the entire movie is exactly like a psychedelic LSD trip. The story is full of symbols, but these somehow come from the common heritage and can be understood by instinct. Just like a dream. It is not a piece of art what can be digested easily but those who has sense of psychedelism will love and never forget this movie. I don't want to advise directly how a person can enhance further the effect of the movie but it is not hard to find out what I mean.

My Hungarian friend recommended me to watch this and I'm so grateful I found out this movie exists. It's a masterpiece. The visuals were simply stunning, the animation phenomenal. Such a mastery of motion, color, perspective, framing, flow... Every frame was without a doubt perfectly though out. Experimentation in almost every panel, everything in fluid motion, behind every shot an original thought. The voice acting was so melodical and fitting along with the music. Hungarian is simply a beautiful language.

Then obviously the story, symbolising the cyclical passage of time, sexuality, humanity... Along with subtle nods to the demons of the 20th century.