There is a rise of Asian representation in ‘mainstream’/’western’ animation. 2019 saw the arrival of DreamWorks’ Abominable, and 2021 will see Disney’s entry with Raya and The Last Dragon, but in 2020, Netflix treated us to the animated movie musical, Over the Moon (warning: this review does contain spoilers!)
Over the Moon, co-produced by Netflix and Pearl Studio Production Company (also the makers of 2019’s DreamWorks Abominable) welcomes families and audiences of all ages to a story of love and loss, happiness and sadness, and imagination and wonder. Directed by Glen Keane, and written by the late Audrey Wells, this film is inspired by the story of the Chinese Moon Goddess Change’e. A young Fei Fei was told the story of Change’e by her mother and father, but a few years later her mother has passed. With her father now ready to move on and get remarried, Fei Fei struggles to deal with the idea of a new mother and brother (Jin). Not sure what else to do, science-whizz Fei Fei builds a rocket to the moon to meet the Moon Goddess Change’e to prove her mother’s story was real, in the hopes of stopping her father from remarrying. There she ends up in a colourful and vibrant wonderland filled with peculiar creatures.
Animation
Disney Legend Glen Keane is a well-known animator in the industry, most known for animating on The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Pocahontas (1995), Tarzan (1999), Tangled (2010), the list goes on. Most recently, his last work credits towards 2017’s Dear Basketball, by the late Kobe Bryant, which one the Oscar for the best animated short in 2018. And in 2020, the legendary animator Glen Keane directs his first movie, whilst also bringing his experience and craft into helping to create the characters in this emotionally powerful animated adventure.
How it makes you feel
Watching this film does make you feel sentimental. There are some really funny bits. Jin claiming to have a superpower of running into walls. There are also some really sad moments. Seeing Fei Fei upset over the loss of her mother. The film moves you. The score by Academy Award winning Steven Price (most known for composing music for Gravity (2013)) is also just as strong, adding to the sentimental moments, and passionate ones.
Final Verdict
The film is a great watch for families and lovers of animation. The late Audrey Wells brings a story forth that is not familiar to the mainstream, and Glen Keane brings Disney familiarity to his characters, whilst still providing a fresh outlook, combining into an original narrative for all to enjoy.
Over the Moon is available to stream on Netflix now.
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