1650 Kilkenny the opening scroll announces to set the scene for the story. The English have taken control of the walled gated city and the locals are none too pleased. Fiercely devout Lord Protector Cromwell (voiced by Simon McBurney) is in charge. He wants to clear the forest and dispose of the last pack of wolves in the area. To achieve this goal he employs William Goodfellowe (voiced by Sean Bean) accompanied by his daughter Robyn (Voiced by Honor Kneafsey) crossbow in hand who sees herself out in the wild hunting wolves beside her father.
Curious Robyn sneaks out to follow her dad on the hunt. There she comes in direct contact with Maeve (Voiced by Eva Walker) a wolf walker who can leave her human form in spirit and turn into a wolf. Robyn takes up Maeve and the wolves cause putting her at odds with the townsfolk, her father and most dangerous The Lord Protector.
Directors Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart are gaining prominence in the animated world with this entry The Secret of Kells and Song of The Sea. Here the focus on the visuals is rooted in the forest where the wolfs reside. The colours of the forest, The wolves den, inner chamber, and path leading in. The animation in the walled city by comparison is static and dull. The only exception being when the spirit of a wolf walker arises. There is also an element of protecting nature against human expansion that is valuable to young and older viewers alike. The Lord Protector uses the fear of God to keep the villagers in line. There is also the theme of disrupting nature for human convince as seen today world over with events such as the clearing of the amazon or ever expanding urban sprawl.
Wolfwalkers is in the tradition of Irish Folklore. The story contains insight into the bond between a father and daughter and the extent that a parent is willing to go to protect a child. The importance of keeping your promises along with the ecological lessons highlighted throughout the piece. It's a family friendly watch that will appeal to children and adults alike.
*** Out of 4.
Wolfwalkers | Tomm Moore/Ross Stewart | Luxembourg/Ireland /U.S.A.| 2020 | 100 Minutes.
Tags: Animated, Irish Fable, Wolves, Shapeshifting, Hunt, Clearcutting, Deforestation, Father-Daughter, Cross Bow, Owl.
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