You wait so long for a CGI-animated epic based on Slavic mythology and adapted from an acclaimed early 20th century play, and then… well, only one comes along, because that’s a pretty specific order. But that one is Mavka: The Forest Song, and it’s in cinemas now.
Adapted from the 1911 poetic play of the same name by esteemed Ukrainian writer Lesya Ukrainka, Mavka: The Forest Song tells the tale of Lucas (Eddy Lee), a poor young musician who quests deep into the forest in search of a magical tree capable of healing his ailing and elderly uncle. Unfortunately, he’s been sent on his mission by the scheming Kylina (Sarah Natochenny), who is plotting to restart the all-but-forgotten war that raged between humans the spirits of the forest way back in the day. Luckily, however, forest nymph Mavka (Laurie Hymes) takes a shine to him and decides to aid Lucas on his mission, despite the protestations of her fellow woodland creatures.
Mavka: The Forest Song certainly shares more than a little narrative DNA with some other, more famous animated films—Gen X fave Ferngully, for one, and Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki’s much-loved Princess Mononoke for another. In fact, if the original play wasn’t an influence on Miyazaki’s film, that would be a heck of a coincidence. Directors Oleh Malamuzh and Oleksandra Rubanch have crafted a beautiful fairy tale rich in ecological themes and steeped in Ukrainian folklore (although Mavka herself certainly got a makeover). It’s also Ukraine’s biggest ever animated production, taking over seven years to make.
Certainly, there are other options for the younger set at the box office right now (coughMariocough), but Mavka: The Forest Song offers something a bit different from the usual fare. Parents and children alike are sure to be charmed by this offbeat, sumptuously animated adventure.
