The Legend of Hei is a beautiful and heartfelt tale of a tiny black cat spirit named Luo-Xiao Hei.
Hei is introduced in the deep lush jungle where he lives. Soon the peaceful canopy is disturbed by unfamiliar noises. Investigating he discovers the forest is being stripped in the name of human progress.
Ready to defend his home he realizes too late he is no match for the modern technology and progress of man.
Cut to a modern day city where Hei must now fend for himself against all sorts of dangers.
He meets a fellow spirit and his compatriots. There he learns of the encroachment of man and the struggle to keep the balance between man’s world and the spirit world.
This group of other spirit creatures who take him under their wing and encourage Hei to join them in their dreams of reconquering the land they say is rightfully theirs.
However, the group runs into a human known as Wuxian, who separates Hei from the other spirits. The two go on a journey where Hei finds out those others are not what they seem. Wuxian then teaches Hei to control his spirit powers and abilities as well as help him make his own decision on whether or not he should ally with the spirits or humans.
I really loved The Legend of Hei and was pleased to discover that this is a follow up film to a 2011-2019 flash animation web series of the same name from series creator Ping Zhang (a.k.a MTJJ). The series gained immense popularity when it debuted online in China, and Zhang then decided to develop it into a feature-length movie which took over 5 years to complete.
The animation style of The Legend of Hei is very reminiscent of one of my favorite animations Avatar: The Last Airbender in fact this film is as if Avatar and Miyazaki had a baby black kitten with Dragonball Z. The animation is smooth and fast at times but knows when to take its time and allow the quiet moments resonate. Stunning painted backgrounds are a feast for the eyes and the story is gripping as well as touching. Zhang balances the action and the story masterfully and I am now looking forward to seeking out the series as well.
The Legend of Hei features an exceptional English voice cast, featuring Chinese American talent, including Emi Lo (Bofuri, Valentine), Aleks Le (Funan, Ne Zha), Howard Wang (Dragon Ball Z, Marvel Avengers Academy), Kaiji Tang (Justice League, Grantz-O), Caleb Yen (Black Clover, Scott & Crowley), and Suzie Yeung (Kemono Friends). They really bring the world Ping Zhang has created to life and you truly feel for and sympathize with the story of Hei as well as all the supporting characters.
I would recommend this for any and all fans of Avatar and Hiayo Miyazaki’s films. The action and the “violence” is stylized and not graphic at all. There are deeper questions of where do we find the balance between progress and nature for the adults and silliness and the amazingly cute lead character Hei. .
I think this film will win over children and adults alike.
* * * * *
Produced by Fangbing Cong, Wenzhuo Ma
Written by MTJJ, Kexin Peng
Directed by MTJJ
Featuring Emi Lo, Aleks Le, Howard Wang, Kmaiji Tang, Caleb Yen, Suzie Yeun
The Legend of Hei is available now on Digital HD
Shout! Factory will release the Blu-ray/DVD on May 11.
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