Although almost all the animation released in theaters comes from large studios, we also get small animated projects from other studios and countries from time to time. ‘Icarus and the Minotaur’ has just been released and proposes a adaptation of the Greek myth of ´Icarus enjoyable for the whole family.
The boy who flew near the sun
Icarus is a boy who spends his days helping his father, the inventor Daedalus, and exploring the nooks and crannies of the island of Crete. On one of his expeditions, discover the existence of a mysterious being: Asterion, half bull, half human, with whom he strikes up an unexpected friendship. Fate will soon come between them, although Icarus does not intend to accept it without a fight.
‘Icarus and the Minotaur’ is the Carlo Vogele’s debut feature, also a screenwriter for the film with Isabelle Andrivet. It is a co-production between Luxembourg, France and Belgium, has been selected for the Goya as a candidate for Best European Film and is the one chosen by Luxembourg to compete in the Oscars for Best Film.
We could define this film as a retelling, since mixes various greek myths (that of Icarus and that of the Minotaur, mainly) and adapts them for a younger audience.
The story focuses on the friendship between Icarus and Asterion, an endearing and sincere relationship, facing a world of adults marked by the search for their own benefit and the fear of what is different. Both will put their friendship to the test when it interferes in the game of palace intrigues in order to seize power.
the movie is very simple and accessible for a family audience (from 7 years, according to the age recommendation). Just lasts an hour and a quarterso everything is resolved quickly and you don’t have much time to beat around the bush.
Perhaps its short duration makes miss further development of themes and characters. Of all of them, barely a brushstroke is given, enough to be clear about the personality and objectives of each one, but scarce to deepen some relationships and that the viewer can grow fond of them.
Definitely, the highlight of the film is its animation– Gorgeous and easy on the eyes, with a well-chosen color palette and remarkable character design. Although the movements of the characters are somewhat limited, it is not something that weighs too much on the whole.
In short, ‘Icarus and the Minotaur’ is a colorful adaptation of Greek mythology that the whole family can enjoy. While his script falls short and could have gone deeper at certain points, it’s worth checking out for its animation.