So, you want to teach your children about the evils of censorship but don't want to expose them to South Park: Bigger Longer, and Uncut? Try this sweet family film instead. In a land where sound is outlawed, a child hears music in her head, and with the help of a mysterious older woman, tries to bring music back to her culture before eternal winter and silence condemn them.
The metaphors in this movie are thinly veiled, but are veiled enough so that young children can understand the message without feeling like they've sat through a lecture. The acting is, for the most part, very good, and even if the dialogue sounds stilted at times, it works to move the story along and keep it quick. Standouts in the cast are Patti LuPone as the musical enchantress Zantalalia, Meredith Henderson as the strong and stubborn Aurora, and Brent Carver as Aurora's father, who initially distrusts his daughter's goals but slowly learns to appreciate them. This movie is excellent for the under 10 set, but it might not be fast-paced enough for teenagers.
The metaphors in this movie are thinly veiled, but are veiled enough so that young children can understand the message without feeling like they've sat through a lecture. The acting is, for the most part, very good, and even if the dialogue sounds stilted at times, it works to move the story along and keep it quick. Standouts in the cast are Patti LuPone as the musical enchantress Zantalalia, Meredith Henderson as the strong and stubborn Aurora, and Brent Carver as Aurora's father, who initially distrusts his daughter's goals but slowly learns to appreciate them. This movie is excellent for the under 10 set, but it might not be fast-paced enough for teenagers.