Movie Review: The Legend Ochi

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A+

A modern-day family friendly classic. 

This film has a very simple storyline. A young girl is taught by her dad growing up to hate and fear a mysterious animal called the Ochi. However, when she meets one and discovers it is not as dangerous as she was taught, she decides to help return it home. However she is followed by her dad, who is leading a group of kids, planning to hunt down her new friend. What transpires from this simple story is pure movie magic. This is a film very much in the vein of family movies from the 1980's and 90's especially Spielberg's more family friendly fare. Much of this is due to how instead of focusing on action or humor, this movie's main focus is on whimsy. Whimsy is something that few family films even try for today. That whimsy is not only attempted here but is done very well makes this truly stand out. This is a lovely film that transports you instantly into its fantasy setting. This is done in equal parts from the story and the visuals. The story may be basic, but it is just the kind of fantasy that we all dream of as a child. Therefore, even the grownups in the audience will feel themselves becoming a child again as they watch. Meanwhile the children will find much wish fulfillment in every scene. Employing a mixture of matte paintings, puppetry, CGI and animatronics, the visuals in this movie have a timeless feel that also recalls our childhood imaginations. These are the environments that I childhood selves dream about, and this again provides wish fulfillment for kids and a sense of being a child again for grownups. 

This is the first feature length film for director Isaiah Saxon, who has directed music videos for artists like Björk, Grizzly Bear and Panda Bear. He is also the co-founder of DIY.org, a platform that is dedicated to teaching children real life skills as well as an appreciation for the world around them.

I can picture this becoming some kid's new favorite movie, and I really hope it becomes just that. I hope that this movie inspires this kid to use his/her imagination in the way the see the world as well as giving this child a greater appreciation for the world around them.