WHAT WE’RE WATCHING: Forgotten Island — The inventive animated film putting Filipino folklore in the spotlight
Following the creative lead of the likes of KPop Demon Hunters and Into the Spider-Verse, Forgotten Island, from DreamWorks Animation, offers energetic and inventive entertainment against a rarely seen cultural backdrop.
DreamWorks Animation's inventive animated film, Forgotten Island, brings Filipino folklore to the forefront, offering energetic and inventive entertainment. The story follows the unlikely friendship between Jo Yuson, voiced by H.E.R., and academically gifted Raissa Molina, played by Liza Soberano. As they navigate the joys and challenges of friendship and growing up, they encounter fantastical creatures on the legendary island of Nakali.
Forgotten Island stands out with its inventive animation style, blending Western and Eastern traditions, computer-generated visuals, and traditional 2D cartoons. The film's dynamic cinematography and catchy music hits mark it as part of a new generation of features that break from naturalism and embrace a pop collage aesthetic. While the movie may be frightening at times, it offers an opportunity for viewers, particularly older children, to explore the rich mythology of Southeast Asian folklore.
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