directed by Alain Bidard
If you’re hoping to read about an adorable animation for children, then I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you. However, if you’re looking for a film that will stay with you for a long time, then welcome. Today I’d like to recommend you “Opal”, which is probably the best animation I’ve seen this year, so trust me, it means a lot to me. Before watching I was pretty sure that would be a rather pleasant projection during which I’d relax and feel like a child again. Oh well… Let’s begin. We’re discovering a magic kingdom where everything is slowly dying because of some mysterious reason. Soon we found out that this world is supported by a little princess named Opal (Dawn-Lissa Mystille), whose well-being influences what’s around her. Shortly speaking, if the girl is fine, the kingdom is full of life. If there’s something wrong with her, the kingdom is also getting worse. Opal has some incredibly strong magic power in herself that recently has been being stolen by her father, the king. He secretly visits the girl in her room and manipulates her to give him the power so he could fight with some mysterious creatures. Opal, assured that her father is protecting them all, agrees to what he does to her, despite feeling incredible pain. However, soon she realises that the king is lying to her and she wants to escape the castle, hoping to run away from him. If you’re still not guessing what this film is really about, perhaps you should stop reading my post now and watch it. However, if you do read between the lines, I’d like to continue and comment on it. I understood the actual story right away and for the whole time of watching I felt this overwhelming insecurity mixed with anxiety and helplessness. When I finished it, I was pretty sure it shouldn’t be shown to children as it is way too harsh, in my opinion. However, after some days I’ve realised that it’s a very important production that may help children who have been abused by their parent or any adult. They may actually see themselves in the character of Opal and see how strong and brave the girl is, that no matter what, she takes care of herself and does everything to escape the toxic situation. And that there are good people who may support you, even if the closest ones constantly hurt you, and it’s important to open up to those who give a helping hand. Also, the moment when Opal meets her negative emotions – that was a very beautiful metaphor to what a lot of children and adults abused in their childhood are going through. This film drained me emotionally, but I’m glad it did – we need such smart and meaningful productions. The ending was just spectacular and I was staring at the screen with a waterfall on my cheeks. So if you want to see something difficult, yet absolutely fantastic in its form – this is your film.
My rating: 9/10
S.
I have nothing to watch 