The plot follows a boy named Oke who meets an elderly fairy and travels through time on a journey that impacts his view of life. Oke is given the responsibility to save his culture from being forgotten in the technology-filled future. Humans have destroyed nature by building large skyscrapers on top of the native land and Oke develops a sense of knowing what is to come and tries to stop it. He helps the fairy find her children and, along the way, her children give Oke gifts that will help him in the future.
I found the story line very engaging and entertaining. There isn't a dull moment! The story takes a regular boy on a journey with divine beings, while relating to Filipino culture. It's adventurous, cultural, funny, and visually appealing. The animation is incredible with a very unique style that I have never seen before. The backgrounds are suited to Filipino culture. The architecture is traditional, such as the nipa huts. They are often blurred in order to focus our attention on the character speaking in the foreground. One captivating scene is when Oke visits the modern day world and the background zooms out but the focus zooms in on Oke. This sets an emotional focus. Nature plays a significant role in the film, including tropical forests and rice paddies, which were found in that area historically. The color of the sets changes depending on the scene. For instance, when Oke visits the modern day city, everything is dark with splashes of bright pinks and blues. However, in Oke's day, the colors are golden and natural. The difference of the colors contrasts the time difference very well. The costumes suit the culture and the story -- the girls wearing baro't saya and balintawak, which are Filipino dresses. At some points Oke wears a salakot, a traditional Filipino hat. The background music helps enhance the mood, switching from exciting to daunting depending on what's needed.
The main voice actors are Sigmund Roy Pecho (Oke), Margie Moran Floirendo (Impong Grayat), and Adrienne Vergara (Lola Basyang). The writer, Christine Bellen-Ang, has created a script that goes back in time but still relates to every one today. She captures the true meaning of the film through her clever writing but also doesn't fail to keep it entertaining. Kudos to her. My favorite part of the film is the animation. It's so unique, vibrant, and detailed. The animation really sets the film apart. It emphasizes the character's expressions and also supports the storyline by spotlighting certain scenes. The animation is carefully and has a lot of attention to detail. I really appreciate how the film recognizes Filipino culture with an invoking message.
The film's message is about respecting the environment, honoring your culture and working hard for what you believe in. It is demonstrated in Oke who helps save the land, works very hard every day, and respects his elders and his heritage.
I give The Tales of Grandmother Basyang: The Mysterious Guardian of Mount Arayat 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. I recommend this for a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival because it takes you on an engaging adventure that is entertaining for both kids and parents. By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST!
The plot follows a boy named Oke who meets an elderly fairy and travels through time on a journey that impacts his view of life. Oke is given the responsibility to save his culture from being forgotten in the technology-filled future. Humans have destroyed nature by building large skyscrapers on top of the native land and Oke develops a sense of knowing what is to come and tries to stop it. He helps the fairy find her children and, along the way, her children give Oke gifts that will help him in the future.
I found the story line very engaging and entertaining. There isn't a dull moment! The story takes a regular boy on a journey with divine beings, while relating to Filipino culture. It's adventurous, cultural, funny, and visually appealing. The animation is incredible with a very unique style that I have never seen before. The backgrounds are suited to Filipino culture. The architecture is traditional, such as the nipa huts. They are often blurred in order to focus our attention on the character speaking in the foreground. One captivating scene is when Oke visits the modern day world and the background zooms out but the focus zooms in on Oke. This sets an emotional focus. Nature plays a significant role in the film, including tropical forests and rice paddies, which were found in that area historically. The color of the sets changes depending on the scene. For instance, when Oke visits the modern day city, everything is dark with splashes of bright pinks and blues. However, in Oke's day, the colors are golden and natural. The difference of the colors contrasts the time difference very well. The costumes suit the culture and the story -- the girls wearing baro't saya and balintawak, which are Filipino dresses. At some points Oke wears a salakot, a traditional Filipino hat. The background music helps enhance the mood, switching from exciting to daunting depending on what's needed.
The main voice actors are Sigmund Roy Pecho (Oke), Margie Moran Floirendo (Impong Grayat), and Adrienne Vergara (Lola Basyang). The writer, Christine Bellen-Ang, has created a script that goes back in time but still relates to every one today. She captures the true meaning of the film through her clever writing but also doesn't fail to keep it entertaining. Kudos to her. My favorite part of the film is the animation. It's so unique, vibrant, and detailed. The animation really sets the film apart. It emphasizes the character's expressions and also supports the storyline by spotlighting certain scenes. The animation is carefully and has a lot of attention to detail. I really appreciate how the film recognizes Filipino culture with an invoking message.
The film's message is about respecting the environment, honoring your culture and working hard for what you believe in. It is demonstrated in Oke who helps save the land, works very hard every day, and respects his elders and his heritage.
I give The Tales of Grandmother Basyang: The Mysterious Guardian of Mount Arayat 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. I recommend this for a KIDS FIRST! Film Festival because it takes you on an engaging adventure that is entertaining for both kids and parents. By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST!
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