Product Info

Studio

Production I.G.

Director

Masashi Ando, Masayuki Miyaji

Genre

Action, Adventure, Animation

Rated

R

Theatrical Release Date (NA)

Jul 15, 2022

Film Length

2hrs

Purchase From

The Deer King, based off of a series of novels by Uehashi Nahoko, is a vibrant, beautiful fantasy world but trips over plot points and falls at the end.

A Soldier and a Little Girl

Beginning of the film, a synopsis of what transpired ten years before current events. Explaining to the audience that a war between the kingdoms of Vol and Aquafa was put to a halt because of a deadly disease known as the Black Wolf Fever, which affected many people.

Fast forward to the present, the film starts off at an enslaved salt mine where many soldiers, criminals, and even women and children, worked till death. One night, a mysterious spread of fog seeped into the mine. The visual effects of black wolves coming through the fog felt like a Studio-Ghibli scene, portraying the Black Wolf Fever has returned. The disease wiped out everyone but two people: ex-soldier Van and a little girl named Yuna. While both have been bitten, they survived for some reason. Details on their survivor explained later in the film. However, a mysterious power builds within Van but becomes quite handy to get out of many obstacles thrown his way.

Afterwards, Van was looking to find Yuna a home after losing her mother by the Black Wolf Fever in the salt mine but takes her in as a daughter. Van, who lost his wife and son to the disease years ago, shows his caring of the little girl as they travel, protecting her from any danger. Characters that encounter Van questioned Van why is taking care of someone that isn’t blood-related. Van’s response puts those questions to rest as his attachment to Yuna grows. There aren’t many films that showcase this type of relationship and it’s welcoming.

With the news of the disease making a return, a gifted physician named Hohsalle, is determined to find a cure. Elsewhere within the city ruled by Vol, high-powered politicians of Aquafa who appear to overthrow Vol from the inside. They send out a specialized assassin to take out Van, preventing a cure from appearing. Taking out the physician was not an option as Hohsalle’s relation with Vol’s royalty is strong. While adventuring, Van keeps his promise to craft a whistle for Yuna who requested one. That’s a strong bond.

Further into the film, additional characters begin to appear who unfold the secrets behind Van’s new powers and those of Aquafa looking to go to war against Vol. Don’t be confused as those inside trying to overthrow Vol aren’t working along with the people of Aquafa. Confusing? There are a lot of moving pieces that can make it challenging to follow and breaks the flow of the film. Some seem to feel incomplete.

The ending itself feels lackluster. The main characters move onto their own paths with little explanation. Years after the event, few of the characters meet once again but leave the audience speculating at the end. There’s a lot to cook with what the film offers but doesn’t serve the best platter. 

A Fantasy to Experience

The world of The Deer King is set in a fantasy world where there’s no advanced technology, nature rules most the land, and slavery still exists. The film doesn’t spend too much time in civilization as it focuses on the events occurring outside one of the cities of Vol. When it does, it’s mainly inside the castle walls with the politicians. Outside, Van and team enduring challenges are fun to watch. From camera angles, cuts and overdose of animated effects when Van uses his power in his right arm. The style and animation truly feels like Studio Ghibli, especially Princess Monoke. It shouldn’t be a surprise as both directors, Masashi Ando and Masayuki Miyaji, both used to work for Studio Ghibli. Hence the art direction, style, fantasy effects, bloodshed effects feel similar to the popular Studio Ghibli film.

The film’s music score and sound are well designed throughout. Strong, powering scores used during dark scenes feels impactful. The whimsical tunes when Yuna is learning to cattle and milk feels relaxing. Making the film feel more impactful and adds entertainment to each scene.

The Final Stance

The Deer King may not be the best animated film with its hard-to-follow plotlines but contains stunning visuals and strong characters. There’s plenty of room for the film to grow but enough to saddle up and adventure forth.

An early screening provided for this review. The Deer King releases in theaters July 15, 2022.