Review: Boy and the World An Enchanting, Animated Wonder

Cuca’s cozy rural life is shattered when his father leaves for the city, prompting him to embark on a quest to reunite his family. The young boy’s journey unfolds like a tapestry, the animation taking on greater complexity as his small world expands. Entering civilization, industrial landscapes are inhabited by animal-machines, with barrios of decoupage streets and shop windows, and flashing neon advertisements that illuminate the night. The story depicts a clash between village and city, hand crafted and mechanized, rich and poor – and throughout the tumult, the heart and soul of the people beats on as a song. The film’s music is on equal footing with the stunning visuals, a soundscape of pan-flute, samba, and Brazilian hip-hop mixing with the whirling carnival colors and exploding fireworks.

Boy and the World is an animated movie like nothing I have ever watched before. I wanted to watch it again immediately. Majestic and transcendent, this is a worthy best animated feature Oscar nominee. Much more artistic creatively daring, Boy and the World is much better than the bland Minions movie or the Good Dinosaur. I couldn’t take my eyes off this quietly humble, mesmerizing fable.

This boy ventures to urban and unfamiliar landscape that has a barren industrial modern backdrop amongst a bleak, but enchanting, setting. On a lonely quest to find his family is a quirky inspiration that’s borderline magical. I wasn’t sure what was going on, but I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next! A colorful, simplistic design that manages to convey a lot and showcase exquisite detail, Boy and The World is a marvel to behold.

What I admired the most of the Boy and The World was its tender spirit and sweet disposition. This beautiful Brazilian cartoon skimpers along a fine tune of a whimsical whistle. A frantic little boy eager to locate his family becomes a journey of self-discovery.  There is also a serious message about deforestation, industry, pollution amongst the eclectic adventure that scares the little protagonist while haunting engaged audiences.

I wanted Boy and the World to be longer so I could immerse myself in this world. This would be a great companion piece to the animated Oscar nominated short World of Tomorrow, which places a curious child into a setting they do now understand. Likewise, it shares similar animation that is simple to the eye but conveys much more to the viewer. Playing in a limited release, I promise this is well worth your time. Add this on your list of must see Oscar nominees before the big night later this month.

 

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