WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
The goal to heal rather than harm. The truth is, at least in this current world we reside within, that the latter rather than the former defines us. When the need around us quite simply cries out for things to improve, to reconcile, there remain those opposing forces that only wish to create further chaos, serving their own desire at the cost of innocence. But, when those who choose to stand up to the powers of malicious intent, can they find the fortitude to STAY the course in order that positive outcomes might arise?
In a mythical land, there lives a man known only as The Heartsmith (Aniq Durar) whose primary aim is to mend hearts that have been ravaged by loss and grief. Carrying out his tasks through the assistance of the enigmatic Umbrella Man (Sylvester McCoy), the pair quietly exist without causing any undue fuss. However, when a crime lord named Mr. Cross (Diego Cresta) takes menacingly selfish interest in a local girl named Sundae (Imogen Storm) for nefarious intent, The Heartsmith ends up on an adventure to save her, and their world, from a diabolical plan.
Next, my Mind:
A charmingly nostalgic throwback to the visual style of fantasy we witnessed in the ’80’s paired with some more gritty elements akin to contemporary dark fairy tales, this well-executed, 95-minute indie feature film from writer/director/editor Scott McQuaid, producer Alexandria Kay, and executive producer Lawson McQuaid delivers its foundational, creatively imaginative purpose with perfect pacing and undeniably engaging innocence of intent while also managing to employ edgier facets that encompass odes to multiple genres ranging from action to horror. All of this working in tandem with its old-school offerings of practical, predominantly pre-CGI effects and you have the end result we view here, harkening back to general notions, perhaps, of a now bygone era that gave us “Clash of the Titans”, “Labyrinth”, and “The Dark Crystal”, amongst many others.
Gaining its footing though a narrative that sees a young man whose abilities to literally mend hearts is only trumped by his own inward battles yet to be truly dealt with while aiding a beautiful woman who has been targeted by malevolent forces, the very essence of your basic exposé centered on good vs. evil is depicted with the aforementioned stylings, yielding a smartly crafted tribute to the films above while allowing for ventures into modernity as well. Personally, I find this film timely in its release, as viewing a narrative that carries with it a deep soul of GOOD overcoming and triumphing is NEEDED in this day and age we’re living in since polarizing social and political storms keep tearing us apart as people instead of providing means for us to be UNITED. The film doesn’t shy away from the REALITY of what’s bad being out there, threats to be aware of and combat, but it isn’t a narrative FUELED by a black heart, but rather a golden one!
Thematically, the film very effectively, but with unpretentious and beautifully uncomplicated form, tackles a myriad of topics one might draw out, at least in this critic’s opinion. This is an ongoing aspect of indie cinema that I ADORE, as even when the film is made for entertainment, there’s MORE TO IT if one is willing to dive in beyond the surface. Lessons exploring having dreams/goals, the seeming absence of genuinely good people, the difference between random ACTS of kindness vs. actually BEING kind, the travails associated with mending a hurting heart, how we tend to bury our pain rather than face it, being dual-minded at times when circumstances around us can be both dark and light, how beauty can HIDE darkness while brokenness can be what MAKES something beautiful, the release that healing can bring about, being together with others instead of alone, and taking leaps of faith when the time comes all get addressed here to excellent degrees.
As hinted at above, the film’s imagery is truly an echo of decades past, but for this critic, THAT is what makes the film the wonder it is, an exercise in just fantastical whimsey in what we see which therefore allows us to just relish focusing on the STORY rather than be distracted by mind-alteringly lush visuals. This is NOT saying that style is BAD (I mean, one of my fave films of all time is “Avatar”, and NOT because of some “deep” tale being told!), but I think had this film made an attempt to be more “current” in this respect, it would have lost its appeal and charm because of it. This really IS some lost bedtime story, albeit with some “Grimm’s” influence thanks to previously advised about modernity plus a certain fate a character meets that’s very serious in itself. The finale holds a nicely quiet but still fervent, stirring air, while also (again, my opinion here) providing one awesome nod to another rather well-known fantasy series, even if just by conjecture!
Durar makes for what is a fantastically definitive choice to embody the core benevolence, empathy, compassion, and humanity needed to infuse the tale we see through his leading title role as The Heartsmith. A man steeped in his own magnitude of solitary but purposeful mystery, he makes each day one to both be a beacon of hope for those whose hearts have been damaged by pain but also to wrestle with his own inwardly simmering emotional baggage. When suddenly drawn to a local woman who is now the mark of a dangerously obsessive local crime lord, The Heartsmith takes it upon himself to try and not only protect her, but take her to a mythical place where the treasure she holds within can be utilized to its best means. How their adventure unfolds becomes the crux of the narrative, and I absolutely applaud Durar for making The Heartsmith’s character easily one to root for and empathize with, given the HOPE, in spite of his own flaws, he represents.
Storm is nothing short of unequivocally, engagingly, delightfully endearing through her role as Sundae (I mean, come on, how can you NOT fall for a girl with that adorable of a name, right?), a waitress in the town’s restaurant who possesses the kindest heart in the world, caring so much for others and their well-being. However, when her literal heart of gold turns out to be desired by someone LESS than desirable, her path collides with The Heartsmith, sending her on a whirlwind journey that will alter both of their lives, and, well, hearts forever. It is such a portrait of sincerity and selflessness that Sundae always attempts to convey, and it is this nature that so believably melds with The Heartsmith’s own manner while also proving to be a catalyst for him to finally encounter what has been haunting his being for many years. Storm’s unavoidably spunky cheerfulness and positivity is infectious, and Storm’s equally plucky personality shines through wonderfully.
Primary supporting roles arrive first from McCoy as The Heartsmith’s main “accomplice” in their good deeds, an individual known only as The Umbrella Man. It is more than obvious where his namesake comes from, but what ISN’T so immediately evident is the actual extent of power he can manifest as both helper and harbinger of impending doom. McCoy is marvelous in the role, suiting it to a “T”. Zhang Quan plays Dr. D, not your ordinary physician to say the least, as his medical skills aren’t precisely utilized to heal people, but rather send them on their way if you get the drift. As Mr. Cross’ main enforcer, Dr. D relentlessly and often quite viciously pursues The Heartsmith and Sundae in an attempt to gain what they seek for his deteriorating boss. What was fun about such a sinister character is that it’s an intentionally archetypical character that Quan so deftly epitomizes with a level of, dare I say, “glee” that the actor displays perfectly. Very entertaining.
Cresta likewise must have had some sense of relishing a role through his portrayal of Mr. Cross, the city’s bookie/crime lord whose own heart is decidedly DARK and ruined, with his only potential chance for survival based on Dr. D’s success in carrying out the mission at hand. Additional turns are made by Ben Goffe as Sid, a denizen of the final location our intrepid hero and heroine must arrive to, and Alexandria Kay as Dread Black, an ominous and evil witch with whom Dr. D must strike a bargain with, along with appearances by C.J. Graham, Catherine Leyow, Mike Edmonds, Sham Sunder Binwani, Brian V. Towns, Ross Stephenson, Hazi Juzaili, Dale Keys, Lara Alyssa, Brendan Lanza, and Andy Cranshaw. So, in total, “The Heartsmith” is classic fantasy with modern twists that ultimately hits you right where it’s supposed to, grounded, sometimes gritty, but overall a fun ride thanks to a cornerstone moral that showcases what happens when it’s time for the heart to accept what the mind already knows.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
