A Trippy but Visually Stunning Story

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MOVIE REVIEW
Son of the White Mare (Fehérlófia)
(borderline adult content) –

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
Year Released: 1981, (2022 Eureka Masters of Cinema Special Edition Blu-ray)
Runtime: 1h 26m
Director(s): Marcell Jankovics
Writer(s): László György, Marcell Jankovics
Cast: György Cserhalmi, Vera Pap, Mari Szemes, Gyula Szabó, Ferenc Szalma, Szabolcs Tóth, Ottó Ulmann
Where To Watch: Available to order from Eureka Video

RAVING REVIEW: Sometimes, the visuals of animation are almost more critical than the content of the film. While I wouldn’t take anything away from this story, the animation style is where this shines.

SON OF THE WHITE MARE is a 1981 Hungarian animated film widely considered a genre classic. While it is undoubtedly a visually stunning and highly imaginative film, it is also not necessarily appropriate for children due to its adult themes.

One of the most striking aspects of SON OF THE WHITE MARE is its surreal and dreamlike visual style. Unlike other animated films, the film is filled with bizarre, otherworldly imagery. The characters and creatures are all uniquely designed, and the animation is highly detailed and expressive. Constantly reminding you of the dreamlike state that the film resembles.

Despite its fantastical and seemingly childish setting, I would say it isn’t a film for young children. The film deals with themes of death, loss, and the cycles of life and death in a way that may be disturbing or confusing to younger viewers. There is also some disturbing and violent imagery throughout the film, including some adult visuals that aren’t necessarily in your face but hinted at with visual parallels.

In addition to its more mature themes, "Son of the White Mare" also has a sexual element. Many of the film's characters are depicted as being highly sexualized, with exaggerated and often suggestive body shapes. This sexualization is particularly prominent in the film's female characters, often shown in revealing or suggestive poses.

Despite its adult themes and imagery, SON OF THE WHITE MARE is still highly praised, influential, and deservedly so! Its unique visual style and imaginative storytelling have made it a favorite among animation fans and earned a devoted cult following over the years.

Overall, we get a visually stunning and highly imaginative film. While it may not be suitable for younger viewers, it is still a must-see for animation fans and anyone interested in exploring the more mature side of the genre.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
– Limited Edition O-Card slipcase
– 1080p presentation on Blu-ray from a director-approved 4K digital restoration
– Johnny Corncob (János Vitéz) – Jankovic's first animated feature, and the first ever Hungarian animated feature film, is also presented in 1080p from a director-approved 4K digital restoration.
– Sisyphus – short film
– The Struggle (KüzdÅ‘k) – short film
– Dreams on Wings – short film created as a commercial for Air India
– Optional English Subtitles
– Brighter Colors – extensive interview with Marcell Jankovics from the Hungarian National Film Archive, filmed in 2020
– Making of János Vitéz – archival featurette from 1973
– The Director Talks – featurette with Jankovics produced by the Hungarian National Film Archive
– A collector’s booklet featuring a new essay by film writer Rich Johnson

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA VIDEO]