Cinematic Point Of View

I haven’t had time to do a semi-proper write up on The Legend of Ochi, but I wanted to share some thoughts. I caught a 10:30 a.m. screening of it Wednesday, the last time it was playing in the theater here in Lexington. (Thank you to my employer for giving me the green light to skip out on work and take in a movie.)

The trailers were great. The story is right up my alley. My expectations were maybe too high.

Film Synopsis: In a remote village on the island of Carpathia, a shy girl is raised to fear an elusive animal species known as ochi. But when she discovers a wounded baby ochi has been left behind, she escapes on a quest to bring him home.

The Legend of Ochi, directed by Isaiah Saxon, was a mixed bag for me.

I don’t usually write up movies in a negative way, but after thinking and talking with friends about his movie for the past 24 hours, my initial credit roll feelings of disappointment have given way to a more positive outlook.

Positives and Negatives

The film has absolutely incredible cinematography and gorgeous locations. A24 always delivers in this realm. And the set design in every shot. Man. You can tell there was a tremendous amount of love and care put into every shot. Some real Studio Ghibli-esque scenes that you just want to pause and take it all in.

The world building is also awesome. I felt transported to a some place far away but still on planet Earth. It seems like they were trying to really replicate a lost 80s film that was produced in Eastern Europe. Does that make sense?

The Ochi’s are awesome. I also love the lore and the history behind the story. I love the creature design. I love the practical FX. Does it give you the Gremlins/Grogu feels? Sure it does.

The cast was also good. Helena Zengel who plays the main little girl Yuri, is excellent. And Willem Dafoe, as always, gives it his all.

I think maybe the script was a bit undercooked and that was the main problem. A few more passes might have helped.

The story didn’t really “earn” the emotional E.T. moments it wanted me to feel by the end. I never felt truly connected to the people. This might be because they had to cut some corners due to time and budget and maybe move through too many scenes way too quickly. It left me feeling like I didn’t get to know these interesting characters enough or feel like you’re on the journey together.

And the music. I honestly liked it but, man they laid it on a bit too thick. It was distracting and squashed a lot of natural humor or drama that might have been happening on screen.

Anyway, all this to say there is a lot to like and a lot I wish was better.

When the credits rolled, my friend and I sat there discussing this and it felt like a test screening. We liked much of what was there, but you wanted to say “Go back and fix this, this, and this and you’re gold!”

On that same note, a day later, the more I talk about the movie, the more I feel like I appreciate it for the original and creative work that it is. I am really looking forward to watching it again at home and seeing what the kiddos think.

I don’t like to rate a movie, but I’d give it a 7 out of 10 for the set and cinematography alone. And of course Willem Dafoe.

Have you seen The Legend of Ochi? I’d love to hear your perspective.