Les Légendaires: The Animated Film – Review & Verdict
A highly anticipated animated film adaptation of the popular French comic book series Les Légendaires has arrived, and early reviews suggest a successful translation to the big screen. The series, created by Patrick Sobral in 2004, has sold over 11 million copies across its seventy volumes and spin-offs.
A Monumental Comic Comes to Life
The film, directed by Guillaume Ivernel, doesn’t adapt a specific album, making it accessible to newcomers while still appealing to longtime fans. The story follows five young heroes with magical abilities as they reunite to face Darkhell, who plans to use the power of a plant-like creature named Ibycellia to enslave the world.
Producer Nathalie Gastaldo, experienced in live-action films like Mr. Nobody and the Largo Winch saga, brought the project to life. She enlisted Ivernel, whose credits include Chasseurs de dragons and Spycies, to direct. Ivernel also has experience with Ballerina and the animated series Highlander, as well as designing the 26 episodes of Rahan le fils des âges farouches.
From Rejection to Phenomenon
Sobral himself expressed surprise at the success of Les Légendaires. He explained that he initially pursued the youth market after being repeatedly turned down for his horror concepts. He submitted a ten-page sample to Delcourt, expecting to refine the idea, but it was immediately embraced.
The film’s animation style is 3D, a deliberate choice to align with major American animated productions and deliver strong visuals. While a departure from the 2D manga-inspired style of the original comics, the filmmakers aimed to create a visually appealing experience for a broad audience.
Ivernel’s influences include the work of Moebius and Hayao Miyazaki, as well as classic anime series like Dragon Ball and Les Chevaliers du Zodiaque. He also draws inspiration from classical painting.
A Modest Budget, Ambitious Themes
The film’s script, written by Antoine Schoumsky, touches on environmental issues and the dangers of fascism. With a budget of approximately 15 million euros, it’s considerably less expensive than productions from studios like Illumination or Pixar, which can cost between 80 and 200 million euros. Despite the budgetary difference, Ivernel believes the film delivers the spectacle audiences expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Les Légendaires about?
The film follows five young heroes who must unite to defeat Darkhell, who intends to use the power of a plant-like creature, Ibycellia, to enslave the world.
Who directed the film?
Guillaume Ivernel directed the film, bringing his experience from projects like Chasseurs de dragons and Spycies to the adaptation.
Was Patrick Sobral involved in the film’s production?
Yes, Patrick Sobral was involved in the film’s production and wanted to avoid repeating the mistakes made with a previous animated series adaptation of his work.
Will this adaptation resonate with audiences beyond those familiar with the comic series, and can it successfully capture the spirit of the original while appealing to a wider demographic?