The Legend of Hei

YEAR: 2019

STUDIO: MTJJ, Beijing Guangying Gongchang Wenhua Chuanbo, Dream Castle, Heyi Capital, HMCH, Beijing Jiyin Yinghua

SYNOPSIS
In a world where humans and spirits coexist, Luo Xiaohei, a cat spirit, sees his forest destroyed by human development. Left without a home, he wanders and encounters various spirits and humans, eventually having to choose a side in the conflict between the two worlds.

I’d like to introduce a Chinese animated film, about 2 hours long:
The Legend of Hei

The story begins with the spirit of a small cat, living peacefully in a forest alongside another spirit — a friend or maybe a brother, it’s never clearly explained, which adds a bit of mystery to their relationship. Their daily life is simple, calm, almost timeless, in harmony with nature. But everything changes when humans arrive and completely destroy the forest to build a large city, polluting the area and wiping out their home without much concern.

Overnight, the little spirit loses everything and is forced to flee. He must now survive in a world dominated by humans, hiding his true nature under the appearance of a small cat. This contrast between his innocence and the harshness of the human world creates a tone that is both touching and sometimes quite sad.

One of the most unique aspects of the film is its storytelling. There is very little dialogue, with some scenes lasting 15 to 20 minutes without a single word. Instead, everything relies on atmosphere, visuals, music, and especially the animation of emotions. You understand what the character feels without needing him to speak, which gives the film a very poetic and immersive quality.

The main character can also take on different forms: sometimes a small cat, sometimes a much more powerful creature close to a demon, and sometimes even a human child. These transformations are not just visual—they reflect his emotions, his growth, and the situations he faces throughout the story.

As he wanders, simply trying to survive — looking for food and a place to sleep — he meets other spirits, demons, and even some unusual humans. Gradually, he becomes involved in a much larger conflict, almost philosophical in nature.

On one side, there are those who believe that spirits and humans can coexist despite their differences. On the other, some think humans are too destructive and should be controlled or even eliminated. What makes the story interesting is that it doesn’t clearly take sides. Each group has its own reasons, its own past, and its own pain. In a way, everyone is right.

Spirits and demons live hidden among humans, often blending into cities by disguising themselves. Even if they don’t necessarily like humans, they rely on their technology to survive — for shelter, food, and mobility — while remaining unseen. It’s somewhat ironic, as they depend on a world that destroyed their original one.

Very few humans are aware of their existence, but some have managed to uncover their secrets, or even gain similar powers. This adds another layer to the story, where the line between humans and spirits becomes increasingly blurred.

Visually, the film is beautiful. The animation is smooth and expressive, with a style that can be both simple and detailed when needed. The calm scenes feel almost meditative, while the action scenes are dynamic without being overwhelming. The music is subtle but effective, enhancing the emotions without overdoing it.

What I really appreciated is the pacing. The film takes its time and doesn’t try to rush things, allowing the viewer to fully absorb the atmosphere and emotions. It’s not just about action, but about mood, reflection, and feeling.

It’s a great film that I discovered by chance, and it really left an impression on me because of its style and atmosphere. It’s quite different from what we usually see, and that’s exactly what makes it so enjoyable.

I also saw that a sequel was released this year (2026), which is a nice surprise. Unfortunately, I’ve only been able to find it in Chinese so far, without subtitles, so it’s hard to fully enjoy it for now—but it definitely makes me want to watch it properly when it becomes available.

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