The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (1979)

 

This is a 1979 animated film based on the book by the same name by author C. S. Lewis. The film adaption was written by David D. Connell and Bill Melendez, who also directed. Voice actors are Rachel Warren, Reg Williams and Victor Spinetti. You can find the full cast on Internet Movie Database. 

Four children enter a wardrobe playing hide and seek, and then they find themselves in a strange world of Narnia full of snow and friendly magical beings. The world is sent into winter by an evil queen and only Aslan can save them. 

For those not familiar with the story, this tale is both amazing, adventurous and also scary in places. The story is much darker than this animated film. It's an old fashioned form of animation so modern younger audiences should expect that. It's on for 1 hour and 35 minutes. The animation is made by CTW (Children's Television Workshop), Bill Melendez Productions and TVC London. A British and Spanish animation. I rate this quick simplified kids version of the epic story a nice 8/10.

My personal likes about this is a place where talking animals and legendary creatures live happy together. Oh I even like Mr and Mrs Beaver.

My personal dislikes is the queen, also called White Witch and Jadis. 

Blood Strawberry   

Fruits Basket

"Fruits Basket" is a Japanese animated TV series from 2019 to 2021. The production company is TMS Entertainment. While there is an earlier version made in 2001, I'm focused on reviewing the 2019-2021 version as it's true to the book it's based on. The author of the original book version, Natsuki Takaya was involved personally in this recent TV series.

The voice stars include (both Japanese and the English dubbed version) Manaka Iwami and Laura Bailey, Nobunaga Shimazaki and Eric Vale, Jerry Jewell and Yuma Uchida. More can be found on the list at IMDB. 

A teenaged girl named Tohru has become homeless after losing both parents. Her grandfather is staying with relatives who simply dislike Tohru and she's got no choice but to live in the woods in a tent. There she's discovered by members of the mysterious Soma family who take her in to stay with them. She learns that there is a Soma family curse and a connection with the Zodiac. 

This is a rural modern fantasy with shapeshifting and romance. It explores the emotions of each character and how Tohru is welcomed into the Soma family, where she goes from outsider to friend. It's both sad, funny, dark and magical. This updated series is more serious than the original cartoon 2001 series aimed at being more lighter. I rate this an enjoyable 9/10.

My personal likes about "Fruit Basket" are the many sweet characters and cute animals.

My personal dislikes is the evil head of the household Akito Sohma. 

Blood Strawberry       

Thermae Romae

This is a 2012 Japanese comedy fantasy film based on the Manga "Thermae Novae" by Mari Yamazaki. The director is Hideki Takeuchi and the stars include Hiroshi Abe, Aya Ueto and Kazuki Kitamura. 

A Roman architect named Lucius falls in the water and transported to 21st century day Japan. He becomes fascinated by the modern way of life, and especially on the fine details that most take for granted, always when it comes to bath houses and swimming pools. Lucius returns to ancient Rome and manages to use what he's learned in the future and impresses the emperor Hadrian. 

This film is both fascinating and funny. Some of it is too silly to be taken seriously though. The Japanese star is very handsome and also appears quite naked a lot! Also I've been watching the anime series by Netflix "Thermae Romae Novae", which is 11 episodes and each episode is a different adventure of Lucius sent to the future in a water accident/whirlpool. At the end of each episode, the creator Mari Yamazaki explores different bath houses in Japan in very short documentaries. This film/comic/series are beautiful and amusing. I rate this masterpiece a 10/10.

My personal likes is the way we're given both insight into ancient Rome as well as modern Japan.

My personal dislikes is none apart from that it's so underrated.

Blood Strawberry 

The Snow Spider (1988)

This is a 1988 TV mini series, directed by Pennant Roberts. It stars Sian Phillips (who also worked in "Clash of the Titans" and "I, Claudius"), Robert Blythe ("Doctors"), Osian Roberts and Sharon Morgan (who worked in "Torchwood"). The series is based on The Snow Spider trilogy by Jenny Nimmo, then adapted for TV by Julia Jones.

In rural Wales, a boy named Gwyn is given a few strange presents by his grandmother, which includes an enchanting small spider. He makes a few interesting discoveries including a glimpse into the otherworld and visions of a silver ship. It's all to help him become a magician. He and his family still mourn the loss of his sister who vanished mysteriously during a snowstorm. Later he encounters an otherworldly girl named Eirlys ("Snowdrop") who helps Gwyn on his quest. 

The series is followed by two more "Emlyn's Moon" and "The Chestnut Soldier". A very magical series that comes from a unique era of wonderful fairy tales on the screen while growing up. I rate this lovely nostalgic magic a 10/10.

My personal likes is the enchanted little spider.

My personal dislikes are the school bullies who laugh at Gwyn.

Blood Strawberry