Yakari – Yakari, the movie (2020)

Directed by: Toby Genkel, Xavier Giacometti | 84 minutes | animation, adventure, family | Dutch voice cast: William de Winter, Maksim Stojanac, Mats Lambrecht, Pixie Ramboer, Sander Gillis, Frank Hoelen, Ivan Pecnik, Ann Reymen, Wouter Hendrickx, Sven de Ridder, Bram Verrecas, Esther Lybeert, Annelies Vanborren, Junes Callaert, Laurenz Hoorelbeke, Geerard van de Walle, Pommelien Thijs, Jos Dom, Govert Deploige, Mano Claus

‘Yakari’ is the first cinema adventure based on an ongoing since 1969 and still popular comic series with the same title (two TV series have already appeared). Lead actor Yakari is a young Sioux Indian. In this well-maintained animation film we get to see its history.

Yakari lives with his father – his mother has passed away – among the Sioux, somewhere in South Dakota in the United States. As the film begins, we witness his first encounter with Little Lightning, a fast but indomitable mustang. Yakari dreams of one day riding this beautiful animal, but the weather forecast seems to throw a spanner in the works. With a tornado on the way – announced by the fleeing bison – the chieftain decides that the time has come for the tribe to seek refuge elsewhere. But Yakari doesn’t want to leave this place until he befriends Little Lightning…

As befits a heroic, stubborn main character in an (animated) film, Yakari sets out, despite all the warnings from friends Rainbow and Buffalo Calf and his dog Hanging Ear. He is determined to see Little Lightning again. In fact, he wants to ride him! As if it should have been, Yakari soon gets that chance. Little Lightning is trapped under a rock, and the brave Yakari manages to free the animal. Much to Yakari’s chagrin, the horse immediately flees. But then Great Eagle appears in a vision (or is it real)? He gives Yakari as his totem animal an important message, and as a proof of his courage he receives a special feather. In addition, Yakari gets the gift of speaking with animals from his totem animal. Of course he has to test that on Kleine Bliksem!

‘Yakari’ is a modest, but beautiful looking animated film. The 2D backgrounds are animated in beautiful pastel colors and the figures appear to be hand drawn, but are not. The story is simple and stays true to the comics. A big plus is that the focus usually stays with Yakari and his adventure; nothing no sidesteps to funny sidekicks or unfinished storylines. The movie doesn’t have to yell to make a point; the strength is simply in the well-written characters. This makes ‘Yakari’ with its message of respect for flora and fauna – just like the albums – extremely suitable for young viewers. And thanks to the always captivating story and beautiful animations, older film buffs will love to watch.