Jul. 16, 2018|Canada|107 Min.|n/A
Genre: Adventure;Animation;Comedy;Drama;Fantasy;Kids;Music;Mystery;Reality;Romance
Description: Valley of the Lanterns is a 2018 animated film that tells the story of an elderly woman named Olistene, voiced by Nicole Oliver, living in a fairytale village. Olistene is beginning to experience symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, referred to as the “shaking sickness.” Her life takes a significant turn when she crosses paths with a young man who struggles with a gambling addiction. Having lost all his money betting on pig races, his wife has left him for a local baker.
This film can be described as a typical example of formulaic animation, made easier by modern digital technology. Its primary aim seems to be to entertain very young children, though it lacks creativity in its character designs, which come across as uninspired and bland. The narrative revolves around Olistene’s New Year’s Eve lanterns, which may hold magical powers, but the story fails to captivate, feeling more like a background screensaver than a compelling tale.
In the plot, a village boy named Porter is asked to assist his grandmother, Olistene, with her work. She crafts lanterns for the village’s annual celebration while also searching for a lifelong mystery. However, when Olistene uncovers the secret, she inadvertently traps the village in an endless cycle, forcing her to relive the same day repeatedly as she tries to undo the chaos she caused.
While there are glimpses of potential in the story, the film lacks visual imagination and fails to leave a lasting impression.
Cast director: Caleb Hystad
Cast actor: Thomas Haddaway-Graham, Nicole Oliver, Jonathan Love, Ian Hanlin, Samantha Ferris
Original name: Valley of the Lanterns