Animation Captures Complexities of Life Through Child’s Eyes

Read Time:3 Minute, 36 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Chicken for Linda! (Linda veut du poulet!)
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Genre: Animation, Comedy
Year Released: 2023 (coming to select theaters October 18, 2023)
Runtime: 1h 13m
Director(s): Chiara Malta, Sébastien Laudenbach
Writer(s): Chiara Malta, Sébastien Laudenbach
Cast: Mélinée Leclerc, Clotilde Hesme, Laetitia Dosch, Esteban, Patrick Pineau, Claudine Acs, Jean-Marie Fonbonne, Antoine Momey, Scarlett Cholleton, Alenza Dus, Anais Weller, Milan Cerisier, Nahil Mostefa, Pietro Sermonti, Anna Parent
Language: French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: premiered May 20 at the 2023 Cannes ACID & Annecy Film Festival, in select theaters nationwide starting April 5, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: CHICKEN FOR LINDA is an animated story grounded in the realm of the ordinary. The animation style allows the viewer to enjoy the narrative while having a feast for the eyes. As we are thrown into a heartwarming world stitched together by everyday moments, we find a story that explores life in a unique way.

Our central character, Linda, a charismatic 8-year-old, shares her home with her mother, Paulette, and their furry pal, Gazza. A forgotten memory, her father’s flavorful chicken with a twist of pepper catapults Linda and Paulette into an unexpected adventure.

CHICKEN FOR LINDA forges a path of true-to-life storytelling, letting go of some of the over-the-top narratives in many traditional animations while still having an active enough story to keep all involved. The film’s emotional core revolves around bridging the gap between Linda and Paulette’s loss and their desire to reconnect with happier times.

What starts as a commonplace trip to the grocery store snowballs into a story that echoes the shared experiences of an entire community. The narrative broadens its focus to include many characters, from spirited children and disgruntled neighbors to duty-bound officers, crafting a story of community life transcending the confines of Linda and Paulette’s home.

CHICKEN FOR LINDA carves a unique niche in the animation landscape, showcasing the winding roads of life with a spotlight on the relationship between mother and daughter. The story ends with a humorous chase sequence between the children and the police, bringing a tiny bit of fantasy into this reality. The movie concludes on a heart-touching note, eliciting laughter and possibly a few drops of tears, as it highlights the complexities of life from a child’s perspective.

With its eye-catching animation and narrative, CHICKEN FOR LINDA is a treat, and the animation style is so simple but, at the same time, just as powerful as any I’ve seen before. Each character is a different color, and these choices give a voice to the differences, allowing the characters to be more than just their individual stories. The movie’s auditory landscape, a blend of ambient sounds, dialogue, and music, is woven with stunning visuals to create an engaging and immersive experience.

The narrative focuses on Linda and Paulette, their everyday fears, and their bond. The story is infused with a cast of offbeat characters, which help contribute to the distinctive vibe of the film. CHICKEN FOR LINDA is a heartwarming mix of comedy and whimsy that can touch a chord with the child lurking in us. The movie spins a story woven with humor and melancholy, coaxing viewers to embark on a sentimental trip down memory lane.

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[photo courtesy of GKIDS, DOLCE VITA FILMS, MIYU PRODUCTIONS]

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