Nový Kreslený Film: Recenze & Pro Koho Je Vhodný
A young boy feeding chickens and pigs, dreaming of time travel, opens the animated film Arco, now playing in Czech cinemas. However, this idyllic farm scene is situated high in the clouds, perched on one of the levels of a massive, futuristic structure resembling a metal tree rather than a conventional building.
A Journey Through Time and Worlds
Ten-year-old Arco lives 900 years in the future, but is currently too young to travel through time – he must wait until he turns twelve. The film, a directorial debut from French animator Ugo Bienvenu and recently nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, frequently juxtaposes past and future, not only through its central theme of time travel but also in its artistic approach.
From the opening scenes, the animation, world-building, and pacing of the story clearly reflect the influence of Japan’s Studio Ghibli and its celebrated director, Hayao Miyazaki. Miyazaki’s timeless stories of childhood heroes and encounters with fantastical creatures are captivating and universally appealing. A focus on tradition combined with elements of sci-fi and fantasy creates striking parallels to everyday reality.
Echoes of Ghibli
Arco is likely to appeal to young fans of Miyazaki films like My Neighbor Totoro and Ponyo, as well as older viewers familiar with Ghibli titles such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Princess Mononoke. Bienvenu demonstrates a talent for creating relatable protagonists and then launching them into extraordinary adventures.
Arco longs for his parents and older sister to return from their time-traveling expeditions. He dreams of visiting the age of dinosaurs, but is limited to samples of local flora and stories about Triceratops. Driven by impatience, he eventually steals his sister’s travel suit and embarks on a journey to the past. The film portrays time travel poetically, depicting each traveler as a shimmering rainbow.
A Dystopian Detour
However, Arco’s rainbow doesn’t quite land as intended. Instead of reaching the distant prehistoric era, he finds himself in the year 2075. This future world is marked by a planet ravaged by fire, with cities and surrounding areas protected by retractable, massive domes. Robots oversee order and childcare, and a girl named Iris spends most of her time at home with Mikki, a kind but somewhat unsettling robot caregiver. Her parents appear only as holograms during mealtimes, as their work keeps them in the city throughout the week.
Lonely Iris lives in a world that doesn’t require extreme dystopian elements to feel unsettling. Her life changes when a boy in a rainbow suit falls from the sky, and she discovers that other futures are possible. The exploration of what is ordinary for each character, and what is extraordinary, forms a central pleasure of the film.
Influences and Style
Arco isn’t entirely original, drawing inspiration from various sources. Beyond Japanese animation, the film’s visuals evoke the work of French artist Moebius and the films of René Laloux. The narrative echoes classic plots from Peter Pan to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. However, the film’s strength lies in its unique approach to these familiar elements.
A trio of eccentric characters, seemingly searching for Arco, adds a French comedic element to the story. Their motives remain unclear, and their constant mishaps would fit comfortably in a farcical French comedy.
Blending Genres and Visions
The film skillfully blends a gentle story of budding friendship with more action-packed sequences, while simultaneously presenting two distinct visions of the future. Both Arco and Iris have reasons to marvel at each other’s worlds. The two environments are visually distinct, with the distant future characterized by elegant shapes suggesting harmony despite a scorched planet, and Iris’s world featuring somewhat clumsily drawn vehicles and robots reminiscent of French animated children’s series.
Arco comes from a world where people understand bird language, while Iris lives in a world cared for by imperfect robots. However, director Bienvenu avoids stark contrasts, portraying Mikki as a genuinely kind companion who plays a significant role in the story.
A Universal Message
Like the works of Miyazaki, Arco doesn’t offer a simple dichotomy of good and evil. It delivers a strong, yet gentle, message about appreciating and caring for our environment. The film primarily tells a universal story about friendship and the impact of every decision.
Premiering out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival, Arco signals a growing openness to animation within the world’s most prestigious film event. Previously, Cannes primarily showcased Hollywood animation or more experimental adult-oriented works. This shift may have been spurred by the success of the Latvian animated film My Happy Family, which captivated audiences and Oscar voters with its unique aesthetic and vision.
Arco may not be as groundbreaking as My Happy Family, but it is clever, engaging, and accessible enough to become a major animated hit this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year is Arco set in?
The film begins in a future 900 years from the present, and features a journey to the year 2075.
Who directed Arco?
Arco was directed by French animator Ugo Bienvenu.
What other animated films is Arco being compared to?
Arco is being compared to the works of Studio Ghibli, particularly those directed by Hayao Miyazaki, such as My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, and Princess Mononoke.
Does the prospect of a future shaped by technology and environmental challenges inspire you to consider the choices we make today?