Oreopan

What a beautiful animation.

I was completely immersed in this world from the get-go. I was lucky that I sat in the front row - something I usually avoid, but had no choice as the gigantic theatre halls was otherwise filled - and it was the best decision. I felt like I was truly in that world with the characters, being taken on the journey along with them.

The movements and animation style really reminded me of a video game, which I learned later was an influence in the making of this movie. The thoroughly detailed, but unique and sometimes stylistic movements of the animals, made it feel like being inside of a video game that you played as a child. Something oddly nostalgic about it, something familiar. And it was that familiarity that had me hooked on the story, the progression of events, and the characters themselves.

This movie has zero dialogue, which is usually something to ward me off a movie. I need word and conversations. But this movie pulled off the body language between the different animals so well, it almost felt like a lesson in accepting - and communicating with - those around you who share your environment but not your habits, language, or way of life. Seeing how the animals are brought together in a strained time when normally they would exist away from each other, was very interesting.

Fantastic movie, highly recommend. Watch it on a big screen with good resolution if possible, because you will be submerged from head to toe and not want to leave this magical place. You'll be grateful you did.

Boy, oh, boy, where do I start with this one?!

This movie explores the themes of death, the desire for death, euthanasia, and hope of life. All in one. And did anyone mention that it's also a comedy? Yep, this is an absolutely wild ride that will have you both laughing and tearing up, sometimes all at the same time.

I'll start with the idea. What a terrific concept. What happens when a person just... really wants to move on? From life? Unsubscribe, if you will. And what if it's for a good reason? In fact, why isn't them telling you their reason, not a good reason in and of itself? WHat do they have to prove to us personally? Who are we to decide who gets to stay and for what reason? These are all important themes that every country faces with very divided opinions. Is it more humane to let someone die, or let them live (a miserable, unwanted life)?

The acting was phenomenal. Simply put. Denise Fraga as Gilda was mesmerising on screen - I found myself hanging off of her every word. She was a truly believable Gilda. I felt her, I was rooting for her, I laughed with her, I wanted to hug her. Her story was unique, but also common - she spoke for many people out there who don't have the voice to speak or show their truth as candidly and as graciously ungraciously as she did. Her character was made unique in how Fraga brought her to life on screen: relatable in many ways, exhausted, and very grounded. She did insane things for completely sane reasons, which is what makes this movie such a personal experience - we can all relate to being perceived as crazy on the outside for reasons that we can perfectly justify to ourselves.

The pacing was perfect. It wasn't too slow or too fast. It was consistent, even, and varied. It went from peaceful scenes to shocking, funny to tugging on your heartstrings. It didn't jump over anything, and the characters didn't waste time making dumb decisions just to move the plot along (because who enjoys that?).

The underlying black comedy is what binds it all together. It brought humour to quite dark themes and elements, with the use of both absurdism and raw sarcasm for contrast, the blend touched many people's smiles in the theatre.

Overall, a seamless fusion of hope and despair, tragedy and comedy, all throughout the movie, and kept me wildly entertained.

This movie explores the theme of planet sustainability - if all humans are suddenly required by law to stop their life at 50, and stop using all electronics, then Earth can restore its resources and future generations can live without hunger, war, etc. The two main characters in the movie are the witnesses who go to people aged 50 at designated times to witness this agreement being fulfilled. I'll talk about the drawbacks of this movie first, and then mention a couple things I thought it did well.

The idea is interesting, and it starts off with some light world-building. It eases you into the concept gently. Bit by bit you learn what happens. I was really curious to see where it goes and what other themes in this concept it explores.

Unfortunately, it very quickly fell flat for me. Despite introducing a great idea, and the roles of the two people, it didn't dive deep into anything within it at all. It barely covered the basic things an average viewer would wonder when being introduced to such an idea. The concept stayed surface-level the whole time. There were no complications or intricacies with what this would mean, no drawbacks (aside from maybe one), just the immediate idea itself, and everything felt scripted and inorganic.

What's more, there was more 'telling' than 'showing'. The concept was reiterated verbally throughout the movie, and it got a bit tedious to constantly listen to the reasoning: 'it's for our planet!'. After a while, it felt more like a movie for hippies, rather than for the general public who could benefit from being encouraged to reflect on the state of our planet. I would have loved to get visual examples of how certain things could have gone wrong, or what they were alluding to when they kept saying 'it's for the planet'. It just wasn't clear. When I finished the movie, it didn't leave me with anything to really ponder, and neither did I feel like I learned anything.

The acting, unfortunately, wasn't good. I felt like I was watching a high school drama recital. And this is where the director should have been stricter on the directing part - sure, it's likely frustrating to work with someone who insists on 17 takes per shot, but the end result is usually so seamless, that people forget they're watching a movie. Here, I was constantly reminded that I'm watching some actors reciting the lines that they've recently rehearsed. The only person who really pulled through and looked and sounded natural was Sandra Oh, and she's a seasoned actress. Hopefully, the director feels more comfortable in her directing role in the future and really works with the actor for each scene until they manage to bring their lines to life.

The visuals were stunning! I'm not sure they fit the theme, because they felt a bit misplaced at times, but it was a unique touch that gave the movie some character.

The sounds was beautiful. There were a few breathtaking scenes with, ironically, the stillness of sound. It was suddenly so silent, that the whole cinema held their breath and just watched as everything stood still. Then once the sound returned, everyone went back to breathing normally. It was great.

All in all, the movie pulls a 6 because of its beautiful sound design, use of light with hopeful tones, and fairly new concept that I haven't seen often in movies. Though it would have been higher if the other points I mentioned can be improved, I was happy to have watched it.