The act of Cartoon Salon, an animation studio based in Kilkenny, Ireland, is admired because it combines an aesthetic taste that is recognizable not only in the visual dimension, but also in the story itself, with well-finished and fully integrated backgrounds, thanks to a special character design. . But also for his persistence in what for some production studios, creating 2D animation seems like an outdated choice.

It is now available on Netflix My father’s dragon (Actually My father’s dragon), a new work by Cartoon Salon and another confirmation that this study should be considered one of the most important in the contemporary field. is the story of ElmerAfter his mother’s shop closes due to the economic downturn, he is forced to leave the place where he grew up and move to the grey, rainy and chaotic Nevergreen (Nama Shakunam).

Here he learns of his mother’s dire financial situation and, in a moment of desperation, runs away and helps a talking cat. He finds himself on the sinking island of Selvaggia. This is where he met Boris, a strange dragon destined to change his life.

Directing Nora Twomey – Former director of Cartoon Salon, candidate for the Academy Award Tales of Parvana – The Bread Winner (2017) – My father’s dragon Based on the children’s literature classic of the same name Ruth Stiles Gannett, from which, it takes the required distances. The choice to set the story in a present day where the economic crisis is dire brings its quality My father’s dragon Perhaps on a socio-political level missing from the original book. But it is this ability to traverse remote terrain without losing coherence, narrative compactness, and poetic and dramatic tension that makes Toomey’s film such a masterpiece.

My father’s dragon This is a movie aimed at young children. However, he manages to hold a conversation even with adults, without being heavy or overly slanted on a dramatic level, and works. A screenplay that alternates between touching sequences, poems and funny moments.

The film is a very clear metaphor for taking control of one’s existence despite the odds. The idea of ​​a sinking island can only be connected to the dramatic situation experienced by many in the world, but in the economy of history it refers to the special case of Elmer, who must find the courage to respond and embrace the gray. Increase colorful moments instead of life. Because life is full of emotional changes, difficult moments and other memorable moments, it is up to the individual to find the strength to respond to adversity.

At the visual level, My father’s dragon Excellence by virtue of choice A classic, two-dimensional animation, bursting with bursts of color and highly poetic and emotional sequences, restores to the eye a typical beauty of Cartoon Salon’s work, but is also a confirmation of how much 2D animation still has an irresistible charm. On the contrary, this reflection emerges at a time when 3D animation is moving strongly towards a more precise and unusual photorealism, but moves the poem away from the image and, perhaps, the meaning of the animation.

Tom Moore’s (director of the trilogy of Irish folklore, son of all ideas of stories, animation and cartoon salon approach The Secret of Kells, Song of the sea E Wolves), is connected to Studio Ghibli in its own way: both studios create Stories that strike a balance between visual poetry and emotional engagement, with severe tension with the education system. Therefore, such works are welcome My father’s dragon. Welcome to the poetic and charming creation of Cartoon Salon.

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