We love Gibli, even after my kids are adults. This series reminds me of the original-English-dubbed Totoro (the only dubbed movie I've ever loved). Lots of children's laughter, but with serious themes that adults can discuss with children, and themes that are about just having plain fun. (What kid hasn't ever fantasized about living a summer in a cave with a BFF?)
The episodes are relatively short and great for "1 episode, then bath/read/bed." I thought the animation was along the lines of Castle In The Sky, still right up there with the best.
Watch out for little ones when the grey dwarves and fearsome harpies enter the picture; however, they are good illustrations of the benefit of mastering fear. I wouldn't think it's worse than G-rating, even with the chasm named "Hell's Gap." (I did not try to defend the robbers' lifestyle, and luckily my current young charge didn't ask questions, lol.)*
And what an opportunity for kids to see that adults can be over the top dunderheads and tantrum with the best of them! Incidentally, this is the best animation of a baby I've ever seen.
The author of Pippi Longstockings wrote the Ronja novel, which I haven't yet read. There are Swedish live action versions of Ronja that would be fun to watch for comparison.
I enjoyed watching the Gibli production. Overall, a delightful viewing experience!
*I will revise this review to account for initially missing the last episodes. A good place to stop would be the natural resolution at the point of family reunification. Instead there's some unnecessary fisticuffs and cartoon violence beyond that, for which I'll take away a star. That both Rojna and Birk refuse to follow fathers' nefarious footsteps somewhat compensates.
The episodes are relatively short and great for "1 episode, then bath/read/bed." I thought the animation was along the lines of Castle In The Sky, still right up there with the best.
Watch out for little ones when the grey dwarves and fearsome harpies enter the picture; however, they are good illustrations of the benefit of mastering fear. I wouldn't think it's worse than G-rating, even with the chasm named "Hell's Gap." (I did not try to defend the robbers' lifestyle, and luckily my current young charge didn't ask questions, lol.)*
And what an opportunity for kids to see that adults can be over the top dunderheads and tantrum with the best of them! Incidentally, this is the best animation of a baby I've ever seen.
The author of Pippi Longstockings wrote the Ronja novel, which I haven't yet read. There are Swedish live action versions of Ronja that would be fun to watch for comparison.
I enjoyed watching the Gibli production. Overall, a delightful viewing experience!
*I will revise this review to account for initially missing the last episodes. A good place to stop would be the natural resolution at the point of family reunification. Instead there's some unnecessary fisticuffs and cartoon violence beyond that, for which I'll take away a star. That both Rojna and Birk refuse to follow fathers' nefarious footsteps somewhat compensates.
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