Gandahar Review
Janus Films’ 4K restoration of René Laloux’s Gandahar returns us to a time when popping a strange-looking tape into the VHS player could yield untold delights.
The new 4K restoration of the complete French version of Gandahar is set to be released in New York City on August 28 and will subsequently expand nationwide. For those who fondly recall cult animated classics such as Heavy Metal, Fantastic Planet, and Wizards from years past, this film may feel like a nostalgic trip. Created by the late French animator René Laloux, who also helmed the beloved Fantastic Planet, Gandahar transports viewers to an otherworldly realm where soulless robots threaten a utopian society, and the fight for freedom must be waged across centuries.
Alongside genetic experimentation, ultimate weapons, and the impact on future generations, the film delves into the consequences of these actions. Notably, the original cut features no dialogue dubbed by Isaac Asimov, instead delivering the full, original cinematic experience with French voiceovers delivered by eccentric actors like John Shea, Jennifer Grey, and Christopher Plummer.
The film opens with the serene yet peculiar daily life of blue-skinned villagers, showcasing their fishing, eating, and playful activities. Suddenly, a creature born from a plant suckles at a woman's breast, raising questions about its parentage. Amidst the soothing visuals, an unexpected attack from the "Men of Metal" transforms members of the city of Jasper into stone.
Led by a Council of Women adorned with eagle wings, the leader seeks the aid of a lead scientist resembling a guardian from the Green Lantern Corps. Sylvain, a young servant (voiced by Pierre-Marie Escourrou), is tasked with investigating the C-3PO-like, menacing robots. While the human characters may not engage the audience significantly, the film’s eccentricities and oddball characters are its strengths.
Among them are the Deformed, outcasts resulting from scientific experiments who exhibit various physical deformities. They communicate using past and future tense, as they perceive time non-linearly. Metamorphis, a giant brain floating in the Eccentric Ocean, is a complex character who can be both villainous and heroic, depending on the viewer's perspective.
Amidst the slow pace, imperfect heroics, and occasional rough edges, Gandahar stands as a testament to the uniqueness of animation, making it a must-watch for those seeking something beyond the mainstream.
Written by urgent.news from IGN's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
