CineTV Contest #75: Dare to see The Legend of Hei (Luo Xiao Hei zhan ji) a Chinese Anime.
The Legend of Hei (2019) a Chinese animated film that tells us the story of a small cat who is actually a millennial spirit, who lived peacefully in a forest. A fire destroys his home so he will have to go to the city to live with humans. Once there, Hei discovers that he is not the only spirit living there.
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For generations, humans have believed that these spirits were legends or demons, not even thinking that they really live with us. After industrialization and human expansion, the mutual space of spirits and humans collided. Many spirits adapted to human society, but there were others who became uncomfortable with the presence of humans.
Hei the protagonist of this anime presents a generalized hatred towards humans, which is strengthened when he finds another spirit, in this case older than him, who saves him from an apparent attack by humans. He thus joins this caretaker who nurtures and guides him in his rejection of people, finally offering him a home, friendship and food.
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Later, a powerful human appears who kidnaps him and wants to take him to the guild, a place where spirits are welcomed and fight to maintain the balance between humanity and spirits, in the meantime he notices special gifts in Hei and adopts him as his apprentice. The story presents us with the main character's desire to be reunited with a caretaker-savior, to finally have a home. Our hero is suddenly unclear which side he is on and it is this doubt that guides the plot.
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The nature and harmony between opposing sides is handled effectively and tactfully, no cheap sermons or one-dimensional villain. The audience is respected and left to reflect on the proposed theme. As the story unfolds, it is easy to become attached to the characters; at the same time, mystical/philosophical concepts and details about the world in which the story takes place are shown.
Humor is used intelligently, both visual and verbal, the action sequences are fast-paced, intense and well choreographed, and serve as a tool for mental and emotional growth for the main character.
The animation, is very nice and detailed, which does not stray from Japanese anime, that is, it drinks directly from it, reminding us of the anime of Ghibli Studios and even in the action scenes we remember the Dragon Ball style fights.
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The central theme of the film appeals to seek the balance between humanity and its technology with nature and spirituality, something that we have surely already seen in other anime but Japanese, this does not detract from the merits of this film.
This anime conveys values such as friendship, responsibility, and leads to face the consequences of the actions and decisions taken.
The creation of a fictional world based on Chinese folklore is exposed through the coexistence of the characters becoming accessible to the viewer as it is an important part for the evolution of the plot that will culminate in an exciting climax, although before reaching that final part the pace is slow and the film takes its time to present all the elements that will be used.
The Legend of Hei is a beautiful but not innovative film, with interesting characters and a calm pace, it teaches us that love is where the loved ones are, and not somewhere on earth. That is why the boy-cat-spirit decides to go with his new friend and mentor, giving up his desire for a home.
The film is directed by Zhang Ping, known as Mtjj. This Chinese animation is known as Luo Xiao Hei zhan ji in its native country and happens to be a prequel to a webseries called The legend of Luo Xiaohei (2011). It is a franchise that includes graphic novels, stickers, cell phone games and plush toys, so the film was the most watched in its country of origin the weekend of its release.
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I chose to talk about this film because it helps to remove the preconceptions of Chinese animated cinema, which if we look at some previous works is really ugly. In this work there are more hits than misses, and it is a project that treats the audience with respect and knows how to deliver an entertaining and well told story with lovable characters and a logical plot that shades with grace the eternal dilemma of man against nature.
It's hard to select between Hei (a spirit that matures throughout the Anime and by analogy goes through the famous warrior's journey), Infinity (a powerful law enforcement spirit that prevents humans from being harmed) and Stormed (a spirit that doesn't like humans).
However, I'll stick with Hei because he is very charismatic, funny and like any of us he is trying to decide between good and bad, with reasonable doubts that many times give the villain of the film the reason to be right.
My favorite part of the story is the collision between these warring spirits and the protectors of humanity, it is very interesting and dynamic.
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I think that in life we all follow the path of the warrior, sometimes without masters like the one Hei followed in the movie and I consider that humans are also spirits, but free spirits each one with a characteristic that would be like our superpower.
I chose to talk about this film because it helps to remove the preconceptions of Chinese animated cinema, which if we look at some previous works is really ugly. In this work there are more hits than misses, and it is a project that treats the audience with respect and knows how to deliver an entertaining and well told story with lovable characters and a logical plot that shades with grace the eternal dilemma of man against nature.
It's hard to select between Hei (a spirit that matures throughout the Anime and by analogy goes through the famous warrior's journey), Infinity (a powerful law enforcement spirit that prevents humans from being harmed) and Stormed (a spirit that doesn't like humans).
However, I'll stick with Hei because he is very charismatic, funny and like any of us he is trying to decide between good and bad, with reasonable doubts that many times give the villain of the film the reason to be right.
This is my participation in the CineTV Contest #75 Link Here, I hope you liked my Anime selection and dare to give a chance to Chinese animation, you will not regret to see this beautiful anime. Greetings to all and good luck to the participants of this initiative.
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Posted using CineTV