Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole

written by guest lecturer Dean Newby

The Owls of Ga’Hoole is an animated film loosely based on the first book of the fantasy trilogy ‘Guardians of Ga’Hoole’ by Kathryn Lask. Directed by Zack Snyder of ‘300’ & ‘Watchmen’ fame, with voice work from the likes of Helen Mirren, Geoffrey Rush, Sam Neill & Miriam Margolyes, and the lesser known but impressive Jim Sturgess, Joel Edgerton & Essie Davis. All the voice acting so impressive that you almost don’t recognize the famous voices; unlike other animated films this one has not relied on the strength of the names in the credits to hold it up. I had the opportunity to attend the European 3D Premiere in Leicester Square on Sunday 10th October.

As the film begins it’s obvious that we are in for a real visual treat. The leaves floating past on the screen are so ‘real’ that I move my head from their path while each feather if perfectly rendedered. It is movies like this that make you see what the true potential of 3D really is. The camera lands us on branch at the opening of an owl hollow, the sound of a family playing can be heard, and we are quickly introduced to the story’s young protagonist, Soren, a barn owl who is telling his young sister – the very cute Eglantine, the legend of the Guardians’ triumph over Metalbeak, a Sooty Owl who believes that it is the birthright of the ‘Pure Ones’ to rule over all other species.

The story quickly progresses, with a multitude of characters and character types introduced, including the evil Metalbeak who is rebuilding his army to yet again go to war with the Guardians in an attempt to wipe out both them and the lesser species. The Guardians are unaware of Metalbeak’s plan, but soon starts preparing in extraordinary style, and of course the band of companions are ever-present and vitally important as in all quest-based fantasy films.

Something this film is definitely not lacking is characterisation, which considering just how many characters there are is really quite impressive. The fact they are all owls is never a problem in how much personality they are given and how well we feel we know them. Even the members of Soren’s band of companions are given room to evolve, and play an important part in the story, with each contributing a characteristic one imagines is needed when on an exhausting and life-threatening quest. They also offer some of the film’s lighter and funnier moments, allowing the audience to take in and process either a piece of vital mythology or background, or a visually stunning sequence – of which there are many, each better and more impressive than the last.

It would be quite easy to write off a film like ‘Legend of the Guardians’ as simply an animated fantasy for children, the main characters are after all birds and the plot is not particularly complicated. But, to do so, would be a mistake. While it does fall short of being an epic, it is most definitely one of the higher quality animated fantasies. Not only in terms of visual effects and impact, but also in terms of plot and sub-plots, characterisation, and the natural flow and rhythm of the story’s timeline.

‘Legend of the Guardians’ is an enjoyable and visually beautiful film that though at times can be predictable, gives both children and adults alike enough reason to sit mesmerised for it’s entire 97 minute running time. An ideal weekend family film.

Degree: 2:1

A stunning adventure of good vs bad, light vs dark, owl vs owl.

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The Legend Of The Guardians: The Owls Of Ga Hoole

Here is a film that has truly mastered 3D animation and CGI. The detail and beauty rendered in every scene and with every owl could give Pixar a run for their money; Animal Studio have really outdone themselves.

The film is based on a series of novels called ‘ Guardians of Ga’Hoole’ by Kathryn Lasky and follows the epic of journey of a young owl named Soren. With his friends he wants to find the guardians in order to warn them on an attack by an army of owls called The Pure Ones. Think of this as an epic version of ‘Happy Feet’.

With the voice cast including Hugo Weaving, Helen Mirren and Sam Neill it is clear that this won’t only be visual stunning, but will also be an enjoyable family film to sit through. Set to be released on 15th October, this one will be one to look out for.

Until then enjoy the many clips below which introduce us to a lot of the characters.