Synopsis
“April and the Extraordinary World” is a French animated feature film that was released in 2015 and is co-directed by Christian Desmares and Franck Ekinci. This film is set in a steampunk world filled with wonders, intrigue, and deep sentiment and takes the audience into an invented, altered history.
The film opens with a major point in history that is different; the Franco-Prussian War does not escalate. And instead, Napoleon III dies in an unexpected and history-altering laboratory explosion. This results in a history where scientific advancements are different and by the 20th century, the world has not discovered electricity, aviation, telecommunications, and other modern technologies. Instead, the world is powered by steam, coal, and low science.
The alternate history results in a stifling, smoke-choked version of Paris, where buildings are connected by suspension bridges, and steam blimps powered the air. A totalitarian empire controls the scientific world, and blimps are powered by steam. Most troubling of all, the scientists, the world’s knowledge gatekeepers, are disappearing, and with them, all hope of scientific advancement.
Against this backdrop, we have April Franklin, a young and bright girl with a history of brilliant scientists in her family. Paul and Annette Franklin, her parents, were among those who disappeared. Growing up in hiding, April has completed her family’s scientific legacy of experimentation, albeit with some practices. With government agents on her tail, April is still determined to unravel her parents’ pioneering work on a longevity serum and figure out the mystery of their disappearance. The serum is groundbreaking and could potentially transform human health, and April is determined to complete it.
As April continues her work, she meets Julius, a young petty thief who was originally hired by the police to spy on her. Over time he becomes attached to April and her cause, forming a reluctant partnership. With Darwin accompanying them, they expose a great conspiracy involving rogue scientists, genetically altered reptiles, and a clandestine secret facility.
The mystery deepens when April and her new friends track down the other missing scientists which includes her parents and grandfather, Pops. They have been held captive by sentient Komodo dragons who have changes science to evolve reptiles and now wish to eradicate humans to colonize a new environment.
With new information at hand, April will have to decide where to place her loyalty, whether to the status quo, or to the new worlds of possibilities that science has to offer. In the process, April learns the true meaning of valor and her family, and the ethics of responsibility that comes with new knowledge.
Cast & Crew
Although a French production, April and the Extraordinary World was released in French and English for wider accessibility. Generous voice talents provide every character with a sense of warmth, charm, and intellect.
Main Characters (French Version):
Marion Cotillard as April Franklin: A well-respected French actress recognized for her emotional intensity and multifaceted roles, Cotillard gives April a powerful performance and a heartfelt portrayal.
Philippe Katerine as Darwin: April’s philosophical and witty feline companion and the story’s prominent source of sarcastic humor.
Jean Rochefort as Pops Franklin: April’s grandfather, who embodies wisdom and serves as a link to the older generation of scientists.
Marc-André Grondin as Julius: The young man who transforms from deceit to heroism, making him a memorable companion for April.
U.S. Voice Cast:
- Angela Galuppo as April.
- Tony Hale as Darwin.
- Paul Giamatti as Paul Franklin.
- Susan Sarandon as Annette Franklin.
- J.K. Simmons as Rodrigue the evil Komodo dragon.
Directors and Writers:
- Christian Desmares. He worked on the animation and art direction. His work helped to shape the unique visual style of the film.
- Franck Ekinci. Co-director and co-writer Ekinci helped to develop the film’s narrative and alternate history.
- Jacques Tardi. He was not a direct creator of the film, but his animation style, tone, and graphics inspired the film. The movie was designed with regard to his illustrations and storytelling.
The film’s art direction was the most highly praised component. The visual construction of the film presents a remarkable steampunk style. The fantasy world was created through an old world, wealth of steampunk construction, and the intricacies of smoke filled brass towers, machineries and edifices.
April and the Extraordinary world has a rating of 7.3/10 on IMDb. This rating indicates the film was positively received by the audience and critics.
The film has received accolades for its innovative approach, aesthetic appeal, and engaging subject matter. It is recognized as a highlight in contemporary animation for its distinction from Hollywood animated features. Instead of prioritizing kinetic spectacle and over-the-top humor, it offers a narrative focused on story, character development, and intricate universe construction.
Numerous audience members welcomed the film’s acknowledgement of vintage European comics as well as the departure from standard American animation conventions. Within the genre, its integration of speculative fiction with inquiries surrounding progress and its discontents is uncommonly distinct.
The film received a nomination for the César Award for Best Animated Feature and at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, one of the leading festivals for animation, it received the Cristal for a Feature Film.
April and the Extraordinary World is a singular animation. It offers a unique blend of homage and a vivid alternate history. It invites its audience on an adventure laden with science and a rich narrative. The film meditates on the weight of progress, the bonds of family, and the inalienable right of unrestrained scientific exploration.
April and the Extraordinary World employs a unique visual style that draws from the traditions of the graphic novel. The characters are also warm and intricately designed with noble causes. April is a powerful and brilliant female character; a great positive influence for young viewers.
For those who enjoy imaginative stories that include steampunk elements, or appreciate animated works, this poignant film will be very satisfying.
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