As a seasoned film critic who has been following the industry since the days of VHS tapes and Betamax, I must say that the trailer for “The Legend of Ochi” from A24 is nothing short of captivating. The blend of practical puppetry, CGI effects, and a nostalgic nod to classics like “E.T.” and “Gremlins” has me eagerly awaiting its release in 2025.
24 Studios recently unveiled the trailer for their upcoming fantasy adventure flick, “The Tale of Ochi,” which appears to be a unique blend of elements reminiscent of both “E.T.” and “Gremlins.” In comparison to “The Green Night,” it seems to be a more family-oriented production. However, certain online viewers have alleged that parts of the film, helmed by director Isaiah Saxon, were artificially generated using AI. The filmmaker has since denied these accusations regarding “The Tale of Ochi.
Following the online debut of the trailer, Saxon took to X/Twitter to address unwarranted claims concerning the movie’s visual effects in “The Legend of Ochi.” The film centers around a young girl and an adorable mythical creature on their journey home. A blend of real-life puppets and computer-generated imagery (CGI) was employed to create these magical characters. Some viewers found this combination of techniques unusual, even suggesting that the scenes appeared “AI-generated.” However, the director shared insights into how the economical production achieved its ambitious goal without relying on artificial intelligence.
It took six years and a budget of $10 million to create this movie. I personally produced over 200 matte paintings for it. Since 2005, I’ve been creating handmade films that give the impression of being painted. With the advent of AI, there are now advocates like you who criticize those who have devoted their lives to mastering a craft.
In another article, Saxon made clear that every baby ochi shot in the trailer was entirely controlled by a team of seven people operating an animatronic puppet. It is worth mentioning that the director has an impressive history in handcrafted animation, having established Encyclopedia Pictura in 2004. This studio is known for producing the music video for Björk’s “Wanderlust,” a masterful blend of hand-drawn animation, puppetry, computer-generated imagery, and practical effects.
The Legend of Ochi Footage Mixes Practical & CGI
It’s unfortunate that some people online mistakenly thought that “The Legend of Ochi,” inspired by Spielberg’s E.T., utilized AI because of its human-like filmmaking style, when in fact, it doesn’t. Instead, this movie offers a captivating update on a beloved premise, with “Ochi” being an adorable character and the unique blend of puppetry and digital effects that sets it apart. Notably, the story revolves around the bond between Ochi, a mysterious creature, and Yuri (Helena Zengel), a young girl who becomes its savior. Every stylistic choice in the movie serves to underscore these significant themes.
This timeless coming-of-age fantasy film cleverly blends modern and nostalgic visuals, attracting a new generation of gifted actors ideal for the storyline. Apart from Helena Zengel, the cast of The Legend of Ochi includes Willem Dafoe, Finn Wolfhard, and Emily Watson. Here’s the official summary:
In a secluded village nestled in the north, a young girl named Yuri grows up under strict instructions not to venture out after sunset and with a deep-seated dread for the elusive forest dwellers called ochi. A rare occurrence arises when a baby ochi is found abandoned, prompting Yuri to embark on an extraordinary journey to return it to its kin.
The Legend of Ochi
is set to hit theaters on February 28, 2025.
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2024-10-17 01:02