February 13, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Film Review: WolfWalkers

Rated PG
103 Minutes
Released November 13th on AppleTV+
2021 Academy Award Nomination for Best Animated Film

Many years ago, like long ago and far away, I was fortunate enough to be able to live for two years in a small village in the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland with a film director and his family. It was there that I was captivated by the magic of Irish history and folklore. Ireland is an enchanted land steeped in the heroic tales that were sung by traveling minstrels from the Middle Ages until well into the 1800’s. They roamed the land carrying communications about current news and history from one village to another. These minstrels or bards were in a very real sense, the newspapers and social media of their time. I didn’t realize when I began watching Wolfwalkers that I would be transported once again into that realm of magical creation that is uniquely Irish.

Evil and good are both represented in Wolfwalkers, and the film does not shy away from picturing the difficulties life doles out, as well as the joys. The evil is really scary and the good guys don’t always have an easy time achieving triumph. The “Bad Guy” in this story is The Lord Protector. In history, this was in reality the title of Oliver Cromwell. Mention Cromwell to an Irish person and you will probably unleash a litany of loathing. To encapsulate mid 1600’s Irish history into a nutshell, this English Lord Protector made it his mission to conquer Ireland – not just to defeat the country but to lay waste to its people, towns, land and religion, during his Irish Campaign of 1649-50. In Wolfwalkers the Lord Protector does seem to show his better side, if there is one, as a big insensitive bully.

Wolfwalkers is not your normal Disney cartoon with rich colors and ultra realistic animated characters. The simple and edgy style of Ross Stewart’s drawings is in another universe. It’s similar to the suggestive style of Peanuts, South Park, or The Simpsons, but with a more ethereal quality. The story has the ring of a classic Irish fairy tale, and this is no accident. Irish director Tomm Moore was born in County Down but moved to Kilkenny at a young age with his family. As a teen, he joined the Young Irish Filmmakers group there, where he fostered his love of film and animation. Note that Kilkenny was one of the towns defeated by Cromwell’s soldiers, although its inhabitants and soldiers put up a fierce defense.

Moore and Stewart have been writing and directing partners since their school days. They have created a trilogy of whimsical and fantastical animated films, The Secret of Kells is set in 9th Century Ireland, Song of the Sea is also based on Irish folklore, and Wolfwalkers, which plays out in Kilkenny in the mid 1600’s, is based on both history and folklore. 

There are many elements of 1600’s history and lifestyle woven into Wolfwalkers to which both kids and adults can relate. What pulls you into the story of this cartoon is not lush animation: it’s the characters drawn with sensitive strokes and the imaginatively told story. As in many fairy tales and folk stories, the line between animals and humans is blurry. There is a reason for that. Past civilizations, with less communication clutter than our current societies, tended to develop greater sensitivity to the animals, plants and the landscape that surrounded them. This is a also a theme in Wolfwalkers. This animated film is definitely deserving of its Oscar consideration.

Kathryn Whitney Boole has spent most of her life in the entertainment industry, which has been the backdrop for remarkable adventures with extraordinary people.  She is a Talent Manager with Studio Talent Group in Santa Monica. kboole@gmail.com

in News
<>Related Posts

New Map Tracks Palisades Cleanup Progress, Identifies Phase 1 and Phase 2 Areas

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

New interactive map helps residents track debris removal progress as officials emphasize unprecedented cleanup speed A newly released interactive map...

Santa Monica Hotel Event Space Offers Affordability, Accessibility

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Elevate Your Events with Versatile Venues and Exceptional Service Coastal stays and eclectic event spaces don’t have to be expensive....

Santa Monica Arson Suspect Arrested After String of Fires Across City

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Authorities used aerial drone technology to assist in the investigation A man was arrested Saturday in connection with a string...

Tai Chain to Donate Santa Monica Grand Opening Proceeds to Wildfire-Affected Restaurants

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The restaurant’s U.S. presence began in Arcadia, Calif., in 2000, and has since expanded to 17 locations  Din Tai Fung,...

SMMUSD Makes Rain-Related Announcement About Malibu Schools This Week

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Road Closures and Flood Warnings Force the School District’s Hand All four public schools in Malibu will be closed on...

(Video) The Willows Students Bring a 50-Foot Dragon to Life Through Art and Teamwork

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Kristy Acero, The Willows DK-4th Grade Art teacher, led her students in a large-scale, collaborative project, with each grade creating...

Man Sues Famous Marina del Rey Bar for Alleged Assault

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages By Zach Armstrong A patron has sued Brennan’s Pub in Marina del...

Phase 2 Debris Removal Underway in Palisades, Officials Tout Historic Recovery Speed

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Residents Urged to Submit ROE Forms as Crews Accelerate Debris Removal Efforts Crews have begun Phase 2 of debris removal...

Powerful Storm to Bring Heavy Rains, Possible Debris Flow to Los Angeles

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Officials Warn of Risks, Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread...

One of Palisades’ First Black Homeowners Seeks Support After Fire Destroys Home

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Now displaced, she faces uncertainty in finding stable housing Nearly $42,000 has been raised for Louvenia Jenkins, a 97-year-old woman...

Preferential Parking Enforcement to Resume in Santa Monica

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Residents in need of permits can apply in person at the Parking Operations Office The city of Santa Monica will...

 (Video) Beaten Dead Body Found on Santa Monica Shore

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

The Victim Was Pronounced Dead at the Scene The Victim Was Pronounced Dead at the Scene. pic.twitter.com/88huU3goOO — Santa Monica...

Worker Relief Fund Launched for Those Impacted by Palisades Fire

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

In addition to direct relief, the county is seeking donations for the fund Los Angeles County has launched the LA...

How Much Have Palisades Property Values Slipped After the Fire?

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Property prices drop as sellers and buyers remain at odds in post-fire market Property values in Pacific Palisades have taken...

Retailers Impose Egg Purchase Restrictions as Supply Chain Disruptions Cause Concern

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Egg Limits Are Back – What’s Causing the Shortage? Retailers across the United States, including Costco and Trader Joe’s, have...