By Jack Bottomley
Often when an independent, english-dubbed, animation comes our way, many recoil in trepidation but in a very crowded market, Mavka: The Forest Song offers something incredibly pure and heartfelt.
Inspired by folk mythology of Slavic and Ukrainian origin, this film adapts Lesya Ukrainka’s 1911 play “The Forest Song”, rather beautifully to animated form, as it tells the tale of good hearted nymph Mavka (Laurie Hymes), who dwells in the forest. A realm full of life and wonder and isolated from the greedy, cruel hearts of man. But when Mavka meets human Lukas (Eddy Lee), her feelings begin to grow, as she is forced to balance duty with love.
Mavka is likely nothing you haven’t seen before in some ways. There are the lovely animal sidekicks, dashes of Avatar’s environmental themes, a bit of The Boxtrolls, a bit of Tangled and touches of so many romantic animated tales and literary fables. However, what still makes this very much worth the discovery, is the enticing way with which it brings all this to the screen.
The animation is colourful, varied and interesting, creating many astonishing sequences and some memorable characters, which really feel fitting to its folklorish roots, as well as having their own unique eccentricities and appeal. While the english speaking voice cast actually do a great job and sound very invested in the story and script. The music is occasionally rather stirring too, as you would hope from a film with ‘song’ in the title, and adds a further branch to this healthy tree of cinematic life.
Environmentally speaking, it is a worthwhile ode to the beauty of nature and its importance, as well as – politically speaking – a passionate call to the power of love over hate, and peace over carnage, and as an animated story has all that you would want. There are dark turns, bright and breezy comic moments, strong characters, and a heart that beats ever so strongly. Chances are most kids and parents won’t have heard of this film but we’d certainly recommend giving it a try, because there is something here to connect with a viewer of any age. Kids should be swept away and adults won’t mind letting this blossom in their soul either.
Any of the script missteps or familiarity are overpowered by the love with which it treats its lore, heritage and characters. It’s a film proud of them, and that warm feeling spreads to you while watching. Mavka: The Forest Song sings a charming, fulfilling, tune and is a melody you will quite happily allow into your heart. A beautiful, unexpected, treat from Ukraine.
Mavka: The Forest Song is showing in cinemas now
