Review of Animated Motion-Picture Flow
The depth of myths, the diversity of species and
photo-realistic environment flow together directed by the primordial language
of emotions to reach one common goal - survival. The film takes us on a journey
from a sculptor’s workshop, the cradle of the Cat’s World, to Lemuria, the
legendary land destined to be submerged. Outstanding animation brings to life
river banks familiar to every Latvian, passes Venetian-like landscape and
arrives at a Disney castle/ New York skyline-like gate of tall rocks, a magic
portal that leads to paradise.
The main quintet of characters consists of a cat forced by flood to leave her
home, a neighbouring dog separated from his pack, a bird who risks everything
to befriend the cat, a capybara who’s found the Noah’s ark, and a
treasure-hunting lemur who joins the voyage into the Unknown. Far from
humanising animals, which is typical in animation, Latvian film director Gints
Zilbalodis lets the animals keep their animal shape and, more importantly,
voice. Yes, that’s right! All the voice talents in the film are animal sounds
and bird songs. Serene, quarrelling, scared, possessive, supportive, alarmed,
playful, loving. Instrumental music gently highlights peak moments,
unobtrusive, resonant. Nature sounds of rustling leaves and water waves erase
the line between the real and fantasy. Animals act the way they do, showing the
profound unity of all, regardless of language barriers. In times of need, we
find the quintessence of Love, the ocean whereto all rivers flow.
A must-see film for all ages, a flow that tugs at heartstrings and teaches to
swim against all odds. Gints Zilbalodis and his team have gifted us the Golden
Globe.