Over the Moon is a modern animated musical fantasy film that captures and elaborates on the themes of love and remembrance while also emphasizing healing. Glen Keane, a legendary animator, directed the film alongside John Kahrs, who served as a co-director. Audrey Wells wrote the film. It centers on the story of a young girl who goes on a mythical journey to the moon to look for a goddess. Over the Moon is a captivating modern tale that is deeply rooted in the traditions and wonders of storytelling, as it combines heartfelt storytelling and dazzling visuals with unforgettable songs.
Story Summary
Fei Fei, an imaginative fourteen-year-old, is a central character in the story. She is a resident of a quiet town in China and enjoys her life with loving parents. While the residents of her town in China are calm and peaceful, they also are deeply rooted in customs, folk tales, and legends. They have stories that capture imaginations and keep children intrigued. In Fei Fei’s case, it is the story of Chang’e the Moon goddess who awaits her lost love on the moon. Fei Fei’s mother tells her these stories while also showering her with warmth, greatly reinforcing their bond.
Sadly, Fei Fei’s mother falls ill and dies. Fei Fei, who is coping with life changes, holds onto the stories her mother told her, especially the one about Chang’e. Now, four years later, Fei Fei is still living with her father, Ba Ba, who is willing to move on with life. Ba Ba has plans to marry a kind woman, Mrs. Zhong. Now, Fei Fei has a cheerful, energetic young stepbrother, Chin.
Adjusting to this new life is hard for Fei Fei. She fears her father is forgetting her mother and the stories that held so much meaning to her. In a bid to prove her father wrong and remind him of their shared love, she builds a rocket to the moon in an attempt to prove the legend of Chang’e is real.
With Chin sneaking aboard her rocket, both children are whisked away into space and, much to their surprise, transported to Lunaria, a glowing, vibrant world on the moon where the Moon goddess Chang’e resides.In Lunaria, Fei Fei encounters the majestic yet nostalgic Chang’e, who is both an empress and a spirit yearning for an age gone by. Chang’e dares Fei Fei to discover a specific gift that will help Chang’e be with her beloved. Simultaneously, Fei Fei seeks deeper understanding about love, loss, and family.
Along the way, the duo is joined by Gobi, a kind and quirky creature who once shared a close bond with Chang’e. Through a range of tiresome adventures, Gobi helps them traverse the magical moon world. Through her journey, Fei Fei learns that letting go of something does not equate to forgetting. Instead, it is the process of growing and healing, and granting love the ability to transform into something new.
Ultimately, Fei Fei has returned to Earth with a fresh outlook. She embraces her new family, cherishes her mother’s memory, and welcomes the future.
Main Characters and Voices
Fei Fei – Voiced by Cathy Ang, Fei Fei is smart and highly imaginative. She is also determined and her love for family drives the emotional core of the film.
Chang’e – As voiced by Phillipa Soo, Chang’e is depicted as someone who combines feminine power with tenderness. She is at once vulnerable and larger-than-life. Chang’e’s tale mirrors and intertwines with Fei Fei’s in many poignant ways.
Chin – As voiced by Robert G. Chiu, Chin brings humor and heart to the role. First, he helps Fei Fei to cope with the loss of her mother and all of the changes in her life, which he does in a director’s manner.
Gobi – Voiced by Ken Jeong, Gobi is a bright, song-loving creature who is loyal to Fei Fei.
Ba Ba – Voiced by John Cho, he is a suffering yet affectionate father who is trying his best to reconstruct a life in the wake of a profound loss.
Mrs. Zhong – Voiced by Sandra Oh, she is a gentle and kind woman who wishes to participate in Fei Fei’s life.
There are also some principal supporting characters, such as Fei Fei’s grandparents, moon animals, which enrich the story with a gentle charm.
Visuals and Animation Style
The Animation of Over the Moon is stunning. it contrasts the grounded, soft-colored earth-bound life of fei fei with the dazzling neosomian brilliance of Lunaria. Drawing from the country’s art, festivals, and folklore, the film maintains a grounded balance of cultural authenticity and vivid fantasy. The moon kingdom is a kaleidoscope of light and imagination filled with glowing creatures, floating cities, and surreal landscapes.
The intricate character designs enhance expressiveness and evoke emotions, thereby enabling the audiences to empathize with the characters. For example, the rocket in the shape of a bunny that Fei Fei created is infused with storytelling and is a creative blend of science and narrative.
The Function of Music in the Film
Over the Moon features several songs that are intergral to its narrative. Themes of hope, grief and growth are captured in the original songs Over the Moon features. Fuwa Fuwa also performs, capturing intricate details of the story. It includes Fei Fei’s moving song ‘Rocket to the Moon’ and Chang’e’s pop infused ‘Ultraluminary’ adding variety and memorability to the soundtrack.
Emotional scenes are greatly complemented by music. The score is able to evoke emotions far beyond words. Its easy and accessible nature allows both children and adults to appreciate its uplifting nature and deeper meaning.
Overarching Themes
The essence of Over the Moon goes deeper than the narrative the fantasy adventure offers. It also explores the ideas of moving on from someone and finding a way ahead in life. The film illustrates that love persists beyond absence and inevitability of change, a hallmark of Fei Fei’s story, is captured in the narrative.
Other key messages include:
Value of a family – A new family with old members is able to create a beautiful semblance.
Grief and healing – The narrative gently examines how love can assist in healing and how individuals differently experience loss.
Belief and imagination – Fei Fei’s growth is empowered by her faith in something bigger than her.
These themes are universal in nature, and are age-appropriate and presented thoughtfully, allowing even young children to understand and appreciate them.
Reception and Legacy
For its emotional storytelling and visual artistry, Over the Moon was praised for its depth, both culturally and thematically. It was celebrated for showcasing aspects of Chinese culture while delivering a message that resonates across all backgrounds.
The film received several nominations for major awards, including a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards. Its story was comforting and joyous to families around the world, making it a favorite amongst family films.
Conclusion
Over the Moon is a vibrant, touching and thoughtful film that encourages audiences to treasure the past while welcoming the future. The love we carry stays with us even as life changes. The film sets off with magical lands and musical numbers to remind us that—to reclaim the healing that begins when we open our hearts—and at times the best way to move forward is to let go and soar.
Over the Moon serves as an odyssey that combines the joys of life, timeless melodies, and an everlasting glow of affection, whether you are youthful or young at heart.
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