WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
A reawakening of benevolence. We watch, in so many ways helpless, as the world we’ve known seems overtly on the brink of rending itself apart. Torn by the forces of politics, racism, hatred, and all-encompassing sense of discontent and anger, there has never been a more dire need to see the restoration of conscience, decency, and wholehearted kindness. Perhaps it’s why such things remind us of those whose very lives strived towards this ideal, even creating folklore which elicits a true notion of more untroubled sentiment. It is 330 A.D., in what is modern day Turkey, and a humble bishop named St. Nicholas sees a random act of solicitude spark an idea within him to embark on a journey of both self-discovery and the realization that giving of oneself for the benefit of others has the power to change the world, all while becoming a symbol that same world will celebrate as a harbinger of ideally lasting, seasonal joy.
Next, my Mind:
How many ways are there to stress the importance of being able to bring any abiding measure of hope to a time when all seems lost to chaos on so many fronts? Even in the realms of filmdom, we see what so often becomes a focus on the more dark sides of human nature that, while not at all saying it doesn’t have its place when done well, can still leave one with a feeling of heaviness. Thankfully here, in only 6 short minutes, a breath of fresh air, endearing and enduring belief, and a potent reminder about faith and the healing power of serving something higher than yourself while delivering joy to others all magnificently presents itself through this finely crafted, beautifully affecting, warm-hearted, and wholly necessary filmmaking effort from director/producer Andrew de Burgh, writer/producer Daniel Colyer (inspired by Colyer’s book, “A Magical Christmas Adventure”), and producer Laurie Ashbourne.
It becomes a prime example of it not mattering whether the narrative in itself is a story we’ve heard told countless times throughout our childhood and adult years–the origin of St. Nicholas, who would become the Christmas season’s symbol known as Santa Claus, and the act of hope he first engages in that transforms his life–it simply never gets worn out or unneeded, nor should it ever. Depicted as it is here, the potency of what it signifies sinks in with deeply rooted emotional resonance, and then, by extension for this critic anyway, harkens to the even greater overall, underlying thematic concepts of faith, wise men, a child born in Bethlehem, and our reality going forward forever altered, even if not visually represented here. Additionally addressing other basic ideas of the passage of time, the making of gifts, a willingness of sacrifice one’s own comfort for the sake of providing happiness to others in need, and just helping our fellow man, it’s all so poetically explored to wonderful degrees. Plus, it’s just inspiring to witness St. Nicolas’ transformation into the legend he would become.
Very much bearing a similar foundational visual essence to a film like “The Polar Express” via its soothing, impactful manner, the animation as provided by the team at TheTreeFort Animations vibrantly, yet with a muted, warm, comforting aura, bring the narrative to life in a moving, inviting way so as to capture you from start to finish and immerse you in the film’s briskly-paced flow while still allowing the viewer every opportunity to soak in its intended ambiance. With no spoken dialogue present, the imagery is not at all lacking in ability to keep one engaged throughout. But, what is equally paramount here is composer Marc Timón‘s evocatively emotive, atmospheric music score, whose piano/orchestral-based sonic waves fully carry the enchanting soul of the Christmas season through their light, airy, and delightful timbre. It all brings the heart of the film’s message to bear with perfect effectiveness.
What I likewise feel strongly about is that the type of message being conveyed here can be universally understood and embraced, even if you don’t happen to celebrate the holiday or revel/believe in the notion of Santa Claus, elves, flying reindeer, and The North Pole. It’s really a rather convicting exercise in generosity, compassion, and joy, realizing that, as PT Barnum stated, “The noblest art is that of making others happy”, and to treat our lives as an opportunity to not just gain for ourselves, but rather find the means to share that gain with those in need as well as for the sake of simply being a light and genuine balm to someone who needs encouragement in any form. This film is one that chooses to illustrate grander points like this through the tale of St. Nicolas and his journey, and it really is something we should take to heart and consider during this tumultuous time in which we reside.
So, in total, “The Legend of Santa” is a magical, stirring, heartfelt short film effort, filled with all the unfeigned sentiment we so desperately need in a world gone sailing into so many a stormy sea. One therefore hopes that this and other films like it will boldly yet gently remind us that there is a better spirit to pursue in a quest for true peace on Earth and goodwill towards ALL humanity.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
