WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
As adults, do we ever reconsider what this world we call home looks like through the eyes of innocence. With the tumultuous situations, conditions, and circumstances happening right now, how would all of that look if we were back to experiencing it as a child. Taking in all the sights, sounds, images, encounters, family, and countless other stimuli that makes up this existence we call humanity and life. A small boy is one such pure soul who thrives for adventure in a great big domain that is both the Earth and his imagination. Carefree and happy in heart, he goes about his day, taking in all the sensory input his eyes can behold, finding total joy.
One day, his father unexpectedly leaves their home, much to the boy’s dismay, boards a train, and heads off to parts unknown to seek out work in order to provide for his son and wife. As the boy tries to grasp his father’s absence, he makes a choice to go after his beloved Dad. In doing so, the boy’s understanding of the world begins to grow exponentially, as he witnesses the humblest workers harvesting cotton in unforgiving conditions, to the factories where it is prepared for shipping, to the massive shipyards where it is then taken to be turned into all the merchandise made from it, then back to be sold. Along this journey, the boy gets lessons in automation, globalization, and the dangers of mass marketing.
Next, my Mind:
Brazilian writer/director Ale Abreu’s brilliantly animated statement about the world and the conditions that it exists within is from an economic standpoint, yes, but also very potently addresses the effect it has on the human will and essence. Grand in its global implications, yet simple and steadfast in its execution, the film moves via whimsical, simplistic imagery and beautifully composed original music that draws the viewer into its lead character and message without being overtly preachy or remotely overbearing in tone and content. Rather, it is a fantastical view of the real world and the hardships contained therein as seen through this child’s eyes, as well as through his longing to reunite with his father and return to the country life and freedom he loves.
In this day and age of CGI-heavy efforts (good or bad) in the animated film realm, “Boy & The World” stands as the Oscar-nominated effort it does by delivering instead a colorful, vibrant, constantly moving tapestry of pencil-line artwork and crayon-infused wonder paired with the ever-flowing echoes of a particular flute piece that stands out amongst the score as almost what one would call the boy’s theme song. Very little overall voice work is present, and when it is, there were no subtitles to translate it. Yet, one can easily follow this narrative without that and, therefore, might be thankful for its absence, so as to take in the sheer aptitude, flair, and life of the visuals, seeing in it a film worth rewarding.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
