Watch Kids' Reviews of
BIG FISH & BEGONIA

An emotional masterpiece, Big Fish & Begonia is an artistically magical and thought provoking piece of anime. The animation is beautiful. I felt as if I was watching a classic painting come to life. The story is unforgettable. Each scene left my heart yearning for the characters to succeed.

The story follows a humble, brave girl name Chun who dedicates her life to help a kind boy, Kun, who gives his life to save hers after she travels from her magical to his human world. She goes to great lengths to bring him back and gives him all her love and care. However, when a variety of obstacles threaten Kun's survival, Chun risks everything to save him.

The animation is mystical and brings Chun's fantastical land to life. The characters from Chun's world are unique and their strange characteristics bring a special quality that is unlike other films. Many characters have a quirky addition such as antlers or a completely other-worldly face with multiple eyes. These subtle additions enhance the fresh and original elements the film specializes in. The backgrounds and scenery take the animation to the next level. The water and ocean play a huge role in the film and the animation transforms the water, displaying its beauty and importance. At night the ocean reflects the sky, its stars and the sublime hues present; while during the day it is almost invisible and many objects look like they are floating through air. One of the most notable animation feats is the scenery. In many favorite parts we see Chun running across landscapes and the camera captures her world in the most artistic way.

The emotions of this film left me in awe, showing the friendship and love these characters are capable of. In every scene, I was either smiling or in tears because of the sacrifices they make for each other and for each others' happiness. The music enhances the mood of these scenes with a mysterious and peaceful quality.

The messages of Big Fish and Begonia are: 1. If your conscience is clear, it doesn't matter what others think and 2. Follow your heart. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18. Check out Big Fish and Begonia on DVD August 7, 2018.

By Sahiba K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Big Fish & Begonia is one of the prettiest animated films I have seen in a while. The characters have great development and personalities.

The film is about a girl named Chun who is part of a mystical race that controls the weather, change in seasons and the tides. Once she is 16, she can turn into a dolphin to experience ocean life in the human world. While there, she nearly gets killed when she gets caught in a net. The boy who saves her, dies in a whirlpool. Afterwards, she does everything in her power to take back his soul and take care of it.

The animation in the film is truly astonishing. The style reminds me of films such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. I love the use of color during the whole movie. During the more serious parts, the colors become more muted. I love the way they show us Chinese culture in the animation. It reminds me of art pieces from earlier times in Chinese, but modernized.

The characters in this film have very defined personalities. Chun is so determined to keep the dolphin safe from her village. She feels very attached to it and that reminded me of a mother and a child. The dolphin also acts protectively of Chun. It's very beautiful to see two different creatures come together and love each other.

The plot very much relies on sacrifice and disaster to keep it going. What happens to her village is avoidable, but I think it's important to the story. It shows how much Chun cares about the dolphin and helps him get to the human world. When the dolphin comes back to help her get all the civilians out of the village, it shows how much he cares about Chun and the village, even though the village does not like him.

I rate this a 5 out of 5 and recommend this for ages 13 to 18, because of brief nudity. This film is available on DVD and Digital now so, check it out.

By Carla Paz, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

An emotional masterpiece, Big Fish & Begonia is an artistically magical and thought provoking piece of anime. The animation is beautiful. I felt as if I was watching a classic painting come to life. The story is unforgettable. Each scene left my heart yearning for the characters to succeed.

The story follows a humble, brave girl name Chun who dedicates her life to help a kind boy, Kun, who gives his life to save hers after she travels from her magical to his human world. She goes to great lengths to bring him back and gives him all her love and care. However, when a variety of obstacles threaten Kun's survival, Chun risks everything to save him.

The animation is mystical and brings Chun's fantastical land to life. The characters from Chun's world are unique and their strange characteristics bring a special quality that is unlike other films. Many characters have a quirky addition such as antlers or a completely other-worldly face with multiple eyes. These subtle additions enhance the fresh and original elements the film specializes in. The backgrounds and scenery take the animation to the next level. The water and ocean play a huge role in the film and the animation transforms the water, displaying its beauty and importance. At night the ocean reflects the sky, its stars and the sublime hues present; while during the day it is almost invisible and many objects look like they are floating through air. One of the most notable animation feats is the scenery. In many favorite parts we see Chun running across landscapes and the camera captures her world in the most artistic way.

The emotions of this film left me in awe, showing the friendship and love these characters are capable of. In every scene, I was either smiling or in tears because of the sacrifices they make for each other and for each others' happiness. The music enhances the mood of these scenes with a mysterious and peaceful quality.

The messages of Big Fish and Begonia are: 1. If your conscience is clear, it doesn't matter what others think and 2. Follow your heart. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18. Check out Big Fish and Begonia on DVD August 7, 2018.

By Sahiba K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Big Fish & Begonia is directed by Xuan Liang and Chun Zhang. Under the ocean is a mystical race of beings that control the tide and the changing of the seasons. One of these beings, a restless young girl named Chun, wants to experience the human world, not simply observe it. When she turns sixteen, she is allowed to transform into a dolphin to explore the human world. However, the world is a dangerous place. Trapped in a vortex, she is nearly killed but saved at the last minute by a human boy, who drowns as a result. Consumed by guilt, Chun decides to go on an epic adventure to give the boy life again. As protector of his soul, Chun must defeat those who stand in her way, including her own family. Special Features: Making-Of Documentary, the Short Film which inspired the Movie, Music Videos, and Theatrical Trailer Spoken Languages: English, Mandarin.