AS SUBLIME AS KIRIKOU AND THE WITCH
This film, set during the story of Kirikou and the Sorceress, between the moment the cursed spring is released and the discussion where Kirikou’s mother reveals to him the existence of his grandfather behind the Forbidden Mountain, is composed of several short stories where Kirikou lives adventures with animals and faces various attacks from Karaba the Witch. Adventures that allow Michel Ocelot to show more in depth the wildlife of West Africa that had not been so present in the first film. Indeed, one finds there lions, buffaloes, hyenas, giraffes, storks, rhinoceroses, but also sublime landscapes of Africa. Especially during an episode where Kirikou finds himself in a sacred hike on the head of a giraffe. While also reminding us of landmark locations in this continent.
As for the interactions between the characters, they remain identical to those of the first film. The villagers are quite suspicious and superstitious about Kirikou’s advice and judgement, his mother is always wise, and the other children take pleasure in ignoring the advice of this child. But on the other hand, we also discover more enriching details about this universe. Notably on the gardening culture of this village, but also over the African pottery making that some characters will do to support themselves. Which Michel Ocelot presents with rigour and precision. For instance, traditional wooden stoves that have to cook for several hours, even at night. Finally, the last episode will present a great unity between the children of the village who will have to take care of the situation following a terrible crisis. A dramatic story appropriate to finish the film in a great tension.
Thus, the plot presents four episodes that the great Sage will narrate to the audience, demonstrating the importance of the actions of the child Kirikou in his community and during his fight against Karaba the Witch. But on the other hand, all these storylines make me think that there would have been potential for a TV series. Not necessarily with 65 episodes, but around thirteen to twenty-six episodes. Fortunately, Michel Ocelot continued his Kirikou narrative through albums that he illustrated and drew with his film crew. Which also involve Bénédicte Galup, co-director on this film since Michel worked in parallel on Azur and Asmar, his first 3D feature film. Thus, Bénédicte was able to work on management tasks that could have overloaded the work plan of this man, but also participated as co-writer; with Marie Locatelli and Philippe Andrieu. Everybody working together and bringing to us excellent plotlines in Kirikou and the Wild Beasts.
As for the animation, this film is traditional drawing on paper, but digitized in the computer, like the backgrounds and the colour work. And unlike the first film, the animation work is more successful on this production. Indeed, the animations are more controlled and the movements much more fluid. Nevertheless, I find it unfortunate that for the dances at the end of each episode, many of the characters reuse the same cycles of movement. Indeed, I would have found more interesting that they`d use different movements each time for characters that end up instead with identical reuses.
Concerning the vocal performances, although some of the voices are different from the first film, we still feel the same magic as in the first opus. Besides, it’s a real pleasure to see Awa Sene Sarr back in the role of Karaba the Witch. Her voice is impressive and his play memorable.
As for the DVDs of the film, they demonstrate behind the scenes of the project, including the animators at work, but also the reception in Cannes of an episode to an audience.
In short, this film is another fine work from a great universal storyteller who treats his audience with respect and intelligence.
Omnes's Oasis 