Review of Epic (2013) by Julie H — 06 Sep 2014

While simple in it's theme, Epic appears to be an amazing first chapter in a one of the long and thrilling tales from which it got it's name. The characters are to save a little bud with the life of the forest inside, while learning how they are all connected, responsibility, and how to trust each other along the way. While these may seem like lessons taught in an episode of a children's show, in today's world, as well as the beautifully animated world of Epic, they are important lessons, nonetheless. Life is to be cherished and protected. Responsibility for one's actions should be had, and trust, while it should be never tossed out immediately, needs to be earned, and given in it's own time. Even aside from these simple themes, however, one must think of yet another underlying theme;.

The main Character, M.K., just newly lost the mother who raised her. Her parents divorcing when she was very young due to what they thought to be her father's mental instability, and now, in the beginning of the tale, she is going to live with said father.

Not only does she learn to trust those around her in this tale...but the difficulty she has trusting the other characters early on is likely due to the fact that she is still dealing with depression...so when she finally completely trusts those around her, (as can be seen by her reliance on her father during the final battle, as well as the line she says to Nod, "...put your arms around me!") signifies the end to her depression. Infact, she is shown to both understand, and make up with her estranged father shortly after that point, and it is a wonderfully heartfelt moment. At the same time, at the beginning of the story, Ronin loses his childhood friend, Tara, who it is hinted that he loves on a deeper level then said friendship implies. Due to this, he is shown to busy himself with protecting the bud inorder not to dwell on it, but every now and then, a glimpse of his own sadness can be seen...mostly in the way he gets after the irresponsible Nod. In the end, however, Ronin, like M.K, receives closure as well, when Tara reappears, and selects the new queen.

So while another beautifully animated film, Frozen, may have gottan more money, and had catchy songs...Epic far outdoes it in story, character development, and the pure beauty of it. All the characters are well rounded, each with flaws that they are, through working together, able to remedy as they learn to trust and rely on each other. With enough fun for the kids, a little romance and a lot of realistic characters for the teens, and with more then enough endearingness and complexity for even an adult to enjoy, Epic by far is one of my favorite cg films of all time, and I honestly hope to see another chapter to this tale.