The Legend of Hei
The Legend of Hei

Movie spotlight

The Legend of Hei

2019
Movie
102 min
Mandarin

When cat spirit Luo Xiaohei's home is deforested by humans, he must find a new one. He runs into a group of other spirit creatures who take him under their wing with dreams of reconquering the land they say is rightfully theirs. However, they run into a human known as Wuxian who separates Luo Xiaohei from the other spirits and the two go on a journey, with the cat spirit learning to control his abilities as well as forming his own thoughts on whether or not he should ally with the spirits or the humans.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Google Users90%
Director: Jianping LiGenres: Animation, Fantasy, Adventure

Plot Summary

In a world where humans and spirits coexist, a young spirit named Hei is forced to flee his home when a clean-energy company threatens his forest habitat. He finds refuge in a city with two human girls, who unexpectedly become his allies in protecting his home from exploitation. Hei must navigate the complexities of human society and the dangers posed by those who seek to exploit the spirit world.

Critical Reception

The Legend of Hei was a surprise box office hit in China and garnered significant praise for its stunning animation, heartwarming story, and unique blend of traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern storytelling. Critics lauded its visual artistry and its ability to appeal to both children and adults, establishing it as a standout in contemporary Chinese animation.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually stunning animation with vibrant colors and fluid character designs.

  • A charming and emotionally resonant story that explores themes of environmentalism and coexistence.

  • Successfully blends traditional Chinese mythology and art with contemporary narrative sensibilities.

Google audience: Audiences widely praised The Legend of Hei for its beautiful animation, engaging characters, and touching story that balances humor and heartfelt moments. Many appreciated its positive message about nature and harmony between different worlds.

Awards & Accolades

Won Best Animated Feature at the Golden Rooster Awards (China), nominated for Best Animation Feature at the Asian Film Awards.

Fun Fact

The film's distinctive art style was inspired by traditional Chinese ink wash paintings, giving it a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from many other animated features.

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