This is an animated film made by Walt Disney Studios. While the rest of the
world was watching the final of the World Cup, I was sitting in the cinema
with my grandson Oliver. I've been told that while I was in England he went to
see two films with his grandmother, "Puss In Boots: The Last Wish" and "Der
Räuber Hotzenplotz". He told me with great amusement that she fell asleep
during "Puss in Boots", so he had to wake her.
When we left Oliver told me that he'd enjoyed the film, but I have to ask
myself whether he really understood what was happening. "Strange World" has an
age certificate of 6, which is Oliver's age. As far as the violence goes, it's
suitable for children of that age, but I had to ask myself whether he was old
enough to understand what was happening. I would have said that the film is
more on the intellectual level of a nine-year-old. I think Oliver just enjoyed
the bright pictures and the chaotic fight sequences, but I chose not to
question him any further. Back at home his mother asked him what the film was
about, and he hardly said anything.
So what's it about?
The film takes place in Avalonia, a small country separated from the world. An
adventurer called Jaeger Clade has made it his life's goal to find out what's
on the other side of the mountains that surround Avalonia. He starts an
expedition which includes his 15-year-old son Searcher.
On the journey they find an unusual plant that gives off energy. Searcher says
that it's an important discovery, and they should take it back to examine it.
Jaeger says it's irrelevant, and they should continue with the expedition. The
other members of the expedition agree with Searcher and turn back. Jaeger
carries on by himself.
Back in Avalonia, the plant, which they call Pando, is found to be an
inexhaustible energy source. It creates great prosperity and technological
advances. Searcher becomes a farmer, harvesting Pando. But what about his
father Jaeger? He doesn't come back, so he's presumed dead. Searcher marries
and has a son, Ethan.
25 years later Searcher is told that the Pando plants outside of Avalonia, on
the inner sides of the mountains, are beginning to die, the victims of an
unknown disease. If the disease spreads into Avalonia, society will be
destroyed. Ethan leaves on an expedition to find the cause for the disease. On
the way they find Jaeger, now 60 years old, still trying to cross the
mountains. Ethan has a flying ship, powered by Pando, so Jaeger persuades him
to pool their resources.
Apart from the mission itself, it's a family drama. Jaeger is disappointed
with his son, because Searcher's become a farmer instead of an adventurer.
Searcher is disappointed with his son, because Ethan thinks farming is boring
and wants to become an adventurer like his grandfather. Ironically, Jaeger and
Searcher have become the same while considering themselves different.
Did Oliver understand all that? I don't know. What I do know is that he was
fascinated by all the brightly coloured flying monsters.
I can only give the film an average rating. I like the story, as described
above, but the action is too chaotic. I disliked the very part of the film
that Oliver liked the most.
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