Big Fish & Begonia
2016 · Directed by Liang Xuan, Zhang Chun
Original language: Chinese
- animation
- adventure
- fantasy
The story
Beyond the human realm, there is a magical race of beings who control the tides and the changing of the seasons. One of these beings, a young girl named Chun, seeks something more—she wants to experience the human world! At sixteen, she finally gets her chance and transforms into a dolphin in order to explore the world that has her fascinated. But she soon discovers that it's a dangerous place and nearly gets killed in a vortex. Luckily, her life is spared when a young boy sacrifices himself to save her. Moved by his kindness and courage, she uses magic to bring him back to life only to learn that this power comes at a serious price. On a new adventure, she’ll have to make her own sacrifices in order to protect his soul until it is ready to return to the human world.
What it’s like
Sweeping, painterly ocean vistas in deep teal and bioluminescent blue, with spirit-world skies that shift through washes of coral and dusky gold, give this animated fantasy the feel of a moving scroll painting. Camera moves glide through underwater currents and drifting mist, and the lush, hand-finished images linger long enough to be savoured. The score swells with strings and wind-like textures, dropping to quiet passages when the mood turns intimate. Its vibe is wistful and tender, with a current of bittersweet longing running under the adventure. It suits a slow weekend afternoon, a comfort rewatch, or an evening when you want something beautiful to sink into. The pacing is brisk in its set pieces and reflective between them. Its tone is earnest and emotional, centred on a restless young sea spirit learning what devotion costs. Intensity is moderate: there are tense sequences of danger, a few sudden peril moments, and a grief-heavy sacrifice, but no gore and little overt violence. It is for viewers who love mythic, nature-soaked animation and emotionally honest stories about loyalty and loss.
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