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Starring
(voices only) :
Lee
Chun Wai
Jan
Lamb
Sandra
Ng
Anthony
Wong
'The
Pancakes'
Director
:
Toe
Yuen
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MY
LIFE AS MCDULL (2001)
Reviewed
by Andrew Saroch
While
I've never considered myself a big fan of animation, I
certainly admire the craft itself; the best ones, whether they
be the work of Miyazaki or Pixar, can be appreciated as much
more than just 'light entertainment'. I was drawn to 'My Life
As McDull' for the aforementioned reason and the simple fact
that animated features in Hong Kong are so rare that they tend
to induce curiosity.
McDull
is a young pig growing up in Hong Kong with his strong-minded,
yet adoring mother. Resigned to not being especially
intelligent and certain he looks nothing like Chow Yun Fat,
McDull is content with his humble life in the crowded city.
However, the young swine has dreams of going to The Maldives
one day, imagining that it is the perfect antidote to the
hectic life in the metropolis. While this alone seems an
impossible dream, McDull also contemplates the possibility of
one day representing Hong Kong at the Olympics and making his
mother proud. All these sweet daydreams of youth help ease him
through the rigours of life and give him the strength to cope
with inevitable tragedies.
Like
so many films that tug on the heart-strings, the simple
synopsis of 'My Life As McDull' fails to do the overall beauty
of the production justice. The strength of this animated
feature is based more around the power of its visuals and its
heartfelt sentiments than the straight-forward storyline that
acts as the spine. Alice Mak's stunning animation combines
exquisite 2D characters with a realistic 3D Hong Kong
cityscape, thus giving her work a real resonance; with a vague
hint of the work of Raymond Briggs, Mak's eye for detail lifts
the visuals to an impressive level. In addition to this, there
is also a superb soundtrack to add another layer of wonder to
the finished product.
'My
Life As McDull' is blessed with the vocal talents of
performers like Anthony Wong, Sandra Ng and Hong Kong comedic
songstress 'The Pancakes'. Their contribution is welcome as is
the obvious respect they have for this production.
Nevertheless, 'My Life As McDull' is successful because of its
touching themes rather than the vocal talents on hand. The
familiar ideas of the innocence of childhood and its admirable
wonder at the world around forms the film's main thread, with
the execution of these ideals proving to be a major part its
triumph (added to the fact that McDull is a very lovable
central character). Interestingly, the last ten minutes
or so give way to a very philosophical denouement that once
again demonstrates the ability that quality Hong Kong cinema
has of changing moods instantly. Animation may still prove to
be an acquired taste for some while Hong Kong animation may
prove even more so, but 'My Life As McDull' is recommended to
young and old alike.
Rating:
 
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