Drama Archives | Otaku No Culture

A Cat’s Life Isn’t For Everyone, But You’ll Purr at This One

This charming coming of age tale looks at not only A Cat’s Life but also that of a young girl whose parents are about to divorce. It’s all about how to adapt.

Available to view on Apple TV

A Cat’s Life is a German made film finally making its way to screenings in other countries. It’s an adaptation of the novel “Rrou” by Maurice Genevoix and is nothing like Illumination’s The Secret Life of Pets (movie review). That’s because this story looks at what defines those relationships between animal and humankind. In this case, it’s about how Lou (as named by Clémence, played by Capucine Sainson-Fabresse) manages to win the hearts of viewers as she provides comfort to this young girl.

It’s sad to see that this kitty loses sight of his mother in the opening moments. Something happened, and he just left, to wander into the city streets and be found by a young girl. I hate to think there’s a sadder element as there’s no dialogue to explain what happened to his siblings and mother. What’s implied is very sad, and I hope the family survives. Continue reading “A Cat’s Life Isn’t For Everyone, But You’ll Purr at This One”

Donnie Yen’s Polar Rescue Shows We’re Not Finished With Winter Just Yet

Fans of Donnie Yen will be interested in seeing him flex his acting chops than fighting ones in Polar Rescue.

Polar Rescue Blu-Ray Cover — **Available to order on Amazon USA**

Well GO USA
Now Available on VOD and Blu-ray

Throughout the years, Donnie Yen has played a variety of characters who faced a myriad of challenges and in Polar Rescue, the greatest one is when a loved one disappears. The physical and emotional response is tough, and he definitely goes through the motions and that alone makes watching this movie worth the look.

In this film originally titled Come Back Home, his youngest child is lost somewhere in the wilderness. It’s winter time, and to visit a Tein Lake without a ride is impossible. Also, the parents are having a tough go at dealing with this kid. He’s quite demanding and when De (Yen) disciplines this tyke for a few minutes by locking him in a cabin, the kid decides to sneak out the back window. And when the folks realise he’s gone, they better do everything they can to find him.

Continue reading “Donnie Yen’s Polar Rescue Shows We’re Not Finished With Winter Just Yet”

From Nina and the Hedgehog’s Secret to The Sacred Cave, NYC’s Animation First is Headed to a Weekend of Cinematic Wonder

In addition to what’s reviewed and put on the spotlight at NYC’s Animation First Film Festival, there’s also Robot Dreams and The Siren–these adult themed works look worth checking out.

As Animation First in NYC winds down its week long celebration, there’s still plenty to see as the weekend approaches. Not only will there be a spotlight on the National Film Board of Canada‘s French made works, but also there’ll be more feature films making their debut. Regarding the former, there’s eleven shorts (list can be read here) to take pleasure in checking out, and as for what was made available for me to screen in advance, I offer reviews of the following:

Nina and the Hedgehog’s Secret

This movie pays tribute not only to the early days of Disney animation but also becomes its own entity. That’s because the Hedgehog (voiced by Guillaume Bats) is drawn and animated much like how Mickey Mouse once looked, as created back in the Steamboat Willie days. While his interactions with the real world may well be a product of the title character’s imagination, what I got out of it is in how the two manage to help each other. The manifestation is right out of a storybook that Nina’s father would read to her every night.

Continue reading “From Nina and the Hedgehog’s Secret to The Sacred Cave, NYC’s Animation First is Headed to a Weekend of Cinematic Wonder”

A Nerd’s Guide to the 2023 Vancouver Fringe Festival

With a lot more shows being presented at this year’s Vancouver Fringe Festival, making a top ten list on what to see has been a bit more difficult, but we got a list.

Anyone living in the Pacific Northwest region has a double dose of Fringe should they choose to follow those travelling acts! The Vancouver Fringe Festival has a lot more to offer, and as for what I like to see, perhaps a weekend trip is in order. I’m always tempted to, but alas the budget sets me back. To alleviate this problem, there’s a few online shows being offered!

And what I’ll do is select new shows to check out rather than to repeat what I’ve seen from the Victoria Fringe Festival. Presented in no particular order are:

Warhol: Bullet Karma

Garry Roost
(Available to view online)

A darkly witty take on American pop art godfather Andy Warhol, with guest appearances from iconic figures such as Lou Reed, Capote, Edie Sedgwick and a visiting Francis Bacon. See what they all have to say about him and what HE says about them!

Continue reading “A Nerd’s Guide to the 2023 Vancouver Fringe Festival”

[Victoria Fringe 2023] Even “June Bug” Needs to Grow Up

June Bug is a thoughtful work that ups the ante in what The Peanuts comic strips would do when concerning the kids dealing with adult situations.

Ashley Chodat is a playwright who wants to help empower audiences. Although she went from performer to educator in the performing arts quite fast, anything she produces is worth noting. Her show, simply titled, “June Bug,” may seem like a love letter to alien conspiracies and X-Files, but there’s more to this multi-layered story.

Here, Juniper Myers is telling us about her life. She’s 11 years old, and she dearly loves her grandmother. The two are inseparable. Mom is trying her best to keep this family afloat because there’s no father around. Little is said about him and I suspect he doesn’t exist. But as for grandmama, I brought everything we wanted to know about her to vivid life. They both love Patrick Swayze and watching the movie Dirty Dancing, and despite protests from mum, nothing ever changes.

Continue reading “[Victoria Fringe 2023] Even “June Bug” Needs to Grow Up”