Let's get this out of the way first: the animation, extremely well done. I mean excellent. Very well done. The voice acting - also excellent. Very, very well done. This movie, from a technical standpoint, was executed with very high quality. Which I suspect has a lot to do with the high ratings. Because those qualities masked some very large flaws.
Specifically, no kids should ever watch this. I don't think adults should bother either. Let me explain.
The theme of this movie is Nimona, and NOT asking what Nimona is. The protagonist, Ballister, is taught to just accept Nimona at face-value. Bal even has several scenes where he attempts to ask Nimona what she is. Nimon gets pissed and calls him small-minded, eventually guilt-tripping Bal into not asking anything, because he thinks it would be "small-minded." I know what you are thinking. You are going say that this is a message of love, and acceptance, and what is wrong with me. But it's not. It's actually a message about being stupid, silent, and incurious.
Who, What, Where, When, Why. These are five seemingly simple questions that I would argue are the basis of intelligence. Without these questions, we do not learn anything. We do not discover the world around us, we do not build amazing things, we do not advance. Without these questions, we stagnate, and we decline. And Nimona wants you to stop asking the "What" question. Bal isn't supposed to ask What Nimona is, he must just accept her. In one scene, Nimona even says "I am not a people." - so Nimona is allowed to say what she is or isn't, but don't you dare deign to ask. Shame on you.
And this is what we want to teach children? Hey kids, you aren't allowed to ask tough questions because someone's feelings might get hurt. Kids, don't be curious. Or do - but if presented with a person who claims something (like we seem to have a lot of these days), don't ask what they are, don't ask questions. You aren't allowed. Instead, just accept everyone at face value. Because people never lie or have agendas or ulterior motives or are trying to manipulate you. Just accept. Don't question. Turn your brain off. No need to think.
Let's a take a good look at Nimona. She's some kind of creature thing, that can shapeshift into literally anything, including other people convincingly, and is as old as the kingdom that Bal lives in (and possibly older). So,at least 1000 years. To recap: a sentient creature that is near omnipotent and ancient. And Bal is not allowed to ask What she is because a human was mean to her 1000 years ago? Really?! Nimona is practically an alien god thing. Where did you come from? What are you? How old are you? What have you seen? Are there more of you? I have a million questions! Sorry, sorry, no questions at this time. Move along. Just accept.
Furthermore, Nimona hates the establishment - I mean "institution" which I think they call it, because it was founded by the little girl that was scared of Nimona. Again, to recap: medieval-equivalent humans were scared of a shape shifting something that could also look human - and this is an unacceptable response? If that were you, modern day you knowing all the modern things you know, you would be terrified too - because a shape shifting human thing is not a normal thing. That's not saying there is anything wrong with Nimona. But like it or not, Nimona is NOT a normal thing and people will react accordingly - rightfully so. But the story has to vilify the people, because we can't just have people acting with common sense and Nimona being pissed about that. So the story has young Gloreth pick up a sword for some stupid reason and point it at Nimona. I mean, up to now, Nimona hasn't hurt Gloreth at all, and Gloreth was even accepting of Nimona - they were like best buds. So instead of asking questions which is what we should do (like What are you), the story has an adult tell Gloreth that Nimona is a monster, which makes Gloreth point a wooden sword at Nimona. How does Nimona react? Does she try to talk with her friend? Does she try to make peace with her friend? Does she try to explain? Does she take to hang out with them, do good things with and for them? Nope. She tosses her friendship aside, throws a tantrum and proceeds to carry a chip on her shoulder for the next 1000 years.
Come on, really? This is just stupid now. So anyway, over those 1000 years, the "institution" is created based on the notion of Fighting Monsters. Because they are out there! Even though we see...no monsters. There are no monsters roaming the streets. There are no dead monster carcasses hanging from gates. No huge monster skulls over the entrance to the pub. No monsters. That supposedly, for over 1000 years now, this kingdom has been battling, or I guess preparing to do battle? Is that right? "Hey everyone, monsters will be here any day now, I know it's been like 1000 years since the last alleged attack, but any day. Keep your lances ready." How stupid is everyone here? And this kingdom has a huge wall around it, and I guess we are meant to think that outside is Bad, lots of Monsters - and not one single person over the course of 1000 years has climbed that wall? Not one person has looked at that wall, and said you know, I wonder what's really on the other side? Oh, look, it is pristine forest, unravaged by monsters. Give me a break. It's not even a wall that's far away! No one has to travel years to get to it. It's Right There! And yet, no one has climbed it. Not once. Hmm.
See what I mean? Sheer stupidity. This story wants to tell you that you are just supposed to accept people, even if they are different from you. And you are not allowed to ask them what they are. That's the message. And it uses Nimona as the vehicle for that message. Nimona was wronged by the founder of this society - that the founder was wrong, and thus this society is wrong (now where have I seen this message before...?). Nimona wants to tear it to the ground. So what does this omnipotent god thing do? Does she infiltrate the leadership? Take control, bring it down? Does she become one of the most wealthy and influential members and pull the strings of demise from the shadows? Does she assassinate key members of leadership? Keep in mind, omnipotent sentient god thing here, that can change into ANYTHING. Nope. None of this. Instead, she turns into an angsty teen with a buzz cut, presumably being angry at the world (now where have I seen this before?), drawing pictures of death and dismemberment, waiting for her time to strike! (For 1000 years.) And all she needs is...a villain like her!
What? So wait. You are telling me this kingdom (which features diverse people - we see it immediately in the opening characters), all getting along, living their best life...and Nimona had to wait 1000 years for a villain? Are you telling me there is no crime in this kingdom? There were no bad or evil people that Nimona could have allied with over all those years? Dude! This place is a utopia! Diverse people, everyone happy, getting along, their needs are met, there's no crime, what a terrible place! And we are supposed to want to tear this down because a single god creature thing got her feelings hurt 1000 years ago and wasn't mature enough to actually sit down with the people that hurt her feelings and have a conversation with them?!? Or at any point along those1000 years? That's the reason this utopia must fall?
Yes kids. This is how you are supposed to resolve problems. Keep it to yourself, don't ask questions, let the sadness brew and simmer until you decide that the only choice you have is to break things (which Nimona says repeatedly, to the point of convincing good guy Bal that this is the way), equivalent to a child throwing a tantrum. And failing that, kill yourself, which Nimona also tries. The world is not fair and rather than learning how to deal with that, instead just break everything you can because how dare it not be fair to you. And if you can't break enough stuff, kill yourself. Okay kids, message over, go play in the street now!
Lastly, I am beyond sick of the hate for white people. Beyond it. It's racist and beneath us. We are reverting as a society. The "white people are bad" messaging has got to stop. The only two prominent white people in this movie are both the idiot bro knight who is antagonistic to Bal and a strong proponent of the "institution" that we are meant to be wanting to tear down, and the villain. Of course. The only safe race to make a villain anymore is the white person. It's always the white person. Next time you watch a movie or show, odds are better than 90% that the bad guys are white. There's even a scene here when it shows the billboard of the young up-and-coming promising people-of-color knights...being whitewashed. Literally washed over with white paint. And the "institution" is doing this. I think you can connect the dots.
This is a stupid movie (though animated and voice-acted extremely well), with stupid messaging. It pretends to be a heartfelt and warm presentation of how we should behave (and there were a couple good scenes of this), when in fact it encourages us to hold grudges, keep silent, don't ask questions, don't talk your problems out, and when you can bottle it up no longer, the proper course of action is to do everything you can to break stuff and tear it down.
Come on people. We are better than this. I know what the movie is trying to say. But it's wrong. This isn't how we deal with our problems. We shouldn't be teaching our kids that this is how we deal with problems. And if we are resorting to "breaking things" as a way of fixing stuff, we are no better than spoiled children who get angry when we don't get their way. We are becoming a tantrum.
8 stars for the animation and voice acting.
1 star for the content.
Your time is better spent elsewhere.
Specifically, no kids should ever watch this. I don't think adults should bother either. Let me explain.
The theme of this movie is Nimona, and NOT asking what Nimona is. The protagonist, Ballister, is taught to just accept Nimona at face-value. Bal even has several scenes where he attempts to ask Nimona what she is. Nimon gets pissed and calls him small-minded, eventually guilt-tripping Bal into not asking anything, because he thinks it would be "small-minded." I know what you are thinking. You are going say that this is a message of love, and acceptance, and what is wrong with me. But it's not. It's actually a message about being stupid, silent, and incurious.
Who, What, Where, When, Why. These are five seemingly simple questions that I would argue are the basis of intelligence. Without these questions, we do not learn anything. We do not discover the world around us, we do not build amazing things, we do not advance. Without these questions, we stagnate, and we decline. And Nimona wants you to stop asking the "What" question. Bal isn't supposed to ask What Nimona is, he must just accept her. In one scene, Nimona even says "I am not a people." - so Nimona is allowed to say what she is or isn't, but don't you dare deign to ask. Shame on you.
And this is what we want to teach children? Hey kids, you aren't allowed to ask tough questions because someone's feelings might get hurt. Kids, don't be curious. Or do - but if presented with a person who claims something (like we seem to have a lot of these days), don't ask what they are, don't ask questions. You aren't allowed. Instead, just accept everyone at face value. Because people never lie or have agendas or ulterior motives or are trying to manipulate you. Just accept. Don't question. Turn your brain off. No need to think.
Let's a take a good look at Nimona. She's some kind of creature thing, that can shapeshift into literally anything, including other people convincingly, and is as old as the kingdom that Bal lives in (and possibly older). So,at least 1000 years. To recap: a sentient creature that is near omnipotent and ancient. And Bal is not allowed to ask What she is because a human was mean to her 1000 years ago? Really?! Nimona is practically an alien god thing. Where did you come from? What are you? How old are you? What have you seen? Are there more of you? I have a million questions! Sorry, sorry, no questions at this time. Move along. Just accept.
Furthermore, Nimona hates the establishment - I mean "institution" which I think they call it, because it was founded by the little girl that was scared of Nimona. Again, to recap: medieval-equivalent humans were scared of a shape shifting something that could also look human - and this is an unacceptable response? If that were you, modern day you knowing all the modern things you know, you would be terrified too - because a shape shifting human thing is not a normal thing. That's not saying there is anything wrong with Nimona. But like it or not, Nimona is NOT a normal thing and people will react accordingly - rightfully so. But the story has to vilify the people, because we can't just have people acting with common sense and Nimona being pissed about that. So the story has young Gloreth pick up a sword for some stupid reason and point it at Nimona. I mean, up to now, Nimona hasn't hurt Gloreth at all, and Gloreth was even accepting of Nimona - they were like best buds. So instead of asking questions which is what we should do (like What are you), the story has an adult tell Gloreth that Nimona is a monster, which makes Gloreth point a wooden sword at Nimona. How does Nimona react? Does she try to talk with her friend? Does she try to make peace with her friend? Does she try to explain? Does she take to hang out with them, do good things with and for them? Nope. She tosses her friendship aside, throws a tantrum and proceeds to carry a chip on her shoulder for the next 1000 years.
Come on, really? This is just stupid now. So anyway, over those 1000 years, the "institution" is created based on the notion of Fighting Monsters. Because they are out there! Even though we see...no monsters. There are no monsters roaming the streets. There are no dead monster carcasses hanging from gates. No huge monster skulls over the entrance to the pub. No monsters. That supposedly, for over 1000 years now, this kingdom has been battling, or I guess preparing to do battle? Is that right? "Hey everyone, monsters will be here any day now, I know it's been like 1000 years since the last alleged attack, but any day. Keep your lances ready." How stupid is everyone here? And this kingdom has a huge wall around it, and I guess we are meant to think that outside is Bad, lots of Monsters - and not one single person over the course of 1000 years has climbed that wall? Not one person has looked at that wall, and said you know, I wonder what's really on the other side? Oh, look, it is pristine forest, unravaged by monsters. Give me a break. It's not even a wall that's far away! No one has to travel years to get to it. It's Right There! And yet, no one has climbed it. Not once. Hmm.
See what I mean? Sheer stupidity. This story wants to tell you that you are just supposed to accept people, even if they are different from you. And you are not allowed to ask them what they are. That's the message. And it uses Nimona as the vehicle for that message. Nimona was wronged by the founder of this society - that the founder was wrong, and thus this society is wrong (now where have I seen this message before...?). Nimona wants to tear it to the ground. So what does this omnipotent god thing do? Does she infiltrate the leadership? Take control, bring it down? Does she become one of the most wealthy and influential members and pull the strings of demise from the shadows? Does she assassinate key members of leadership? Keep in mind, omnipotent sentient god thing here, that can change into ANYTHING. Nope. None of this. Instead, she turns into an angsty teen with a buzz cut, presumably being angry at the world (now where have I seen this before?), drawing pictures of death and dismemberment, waiting for her time to strike! (For 1000 years.) And all she needs is...a villain like her!
What? So wait. You are telling me this kingdom (which features diverse people - we see it immediately in the opening characters), all getting along, living their best life...and Nimona had to wait 1000 years for a villain? Are you telling me there is no crime in this kingdom? There were no bad or evil people that Nimona could have allied with over all those years? Dude! This place is a utopia! Diverse people, everyone happy, getting along, their needs are met, there's no crime, what a terrible place! And we are supposed to want to tear this down because a single god creature thing got her feelings hurt 1000 years ago and wasn't mature enough to actually sit down with the people that hurt her feelings and have a conversation with them?!? Or at any point along those1000 years? That's the reason this utopia must fall?
Yes kids. This is how you are supposed to resolve problems. Keep it to yourself, don't ask questions, let the sadness brew and simmer until you decide that the only choice you have is to break things (which Nimona says repeatedly, to the point of convincing good guy Bal that this is the way), equivalent to a child throwing a tantrum. And failing that, kill yourself, which Nimona also tries. The world is not fair and rather than learning how to deal with that, instead just break everything you can because how dare it not be fair to you. And if you can't break enough stuff, kill yourself. Okay kids, message over, go play in the street now!
Lastly, I am beyond sick of the hate for white people. Beyond it. It's racist and beneath us. We are reverting as a society. The "white people are bad" messaging has got to stop. The only two prominent white people in this movie are both the idiot bro knight who is antagonistic to Bal and a strong proponent of the "institution" that we are meant to be wanting to tear down, and the villain. Of course. The only safe race to make a villain anymore is the white person. It's always the white person. Next time you watch a movie or show, odds are better than 90% that the bad guys are white. There's even a scene here when it shows the billboard of the young up-and-coming promising people-of-color knights...being whitewashed. Literally washed over with white paint. And the "institution" is doing this. I think you can connect the dots.
This is a stupid movie (though animated and voice-acted extremely well), with stupid messaging. It pretends to be a heartfelt and warm presentation of how we should behave (and there were a couple good scenes of this), when in fact it encourages us to hold grudges, keep silent, don't ask questions, don't talk your problems out, and when you can bottle it up no longer, the proper course of action is to do everything you can to break stuff and tear it down.
Come on people. We are better than this. I know what the movie is trying to say. But it's wrong. This isn't how we deal with our problems. We shouldn't be teaching our kids that this is how we deal with problems. And if we are resorting to "breaking things" as a way of fixing stuff, we are no better than spoiled children who get angry when we don't get their way. We are becoming a tantrum.
8 stars for the animation and voice acting.
1 star for the content.
Your time is better spent elsewhere.