In the depths of forgotten animated films, we have revived today one of them: Big Fish & Begonia, a timeless fable that invites you to daydream. This feature film of 1h45 released in 2016 comes from the Chinese studio Beijing Enlight Media, and Netflix made it available in its catalog in 2018. It is one of those films that accurately addresses the themes of the course of life, destiny and death… Love and devotion too. Strong messages that earned him a Golden Rooster for best animated film. It was also part of the film selection for the Annecy Festival in 2017.
An original screenplay close to a Miyazaki
Chun is a young girl who belongs to the people of the Others, masters of the seasons, time and tides. The day after her 16th birthday, transformed into a red dolphin, she leaves to discover the world of humans. One stormy night, a young boy will save her from the net… by losing his life. Devastated by the fate of her savior, she makes a pact to restore Kun's life. Many adventures will sow his journey in order to revive the spirit of the human. Because by forcing fate, we reverse the balance of things… And we must expect to pay the consequences. 
Throughout the film, we navigate between sea and land, in a universe inspired by that of Hayao Miyazaki. Chun's mission to save his friend turned animal is reminiscent of Chihiro and her parents… all immersed in a world she does not know. Even the little rat servants of the guardian of evil souls are reminiscent of old Yamagi's adorable soot balls. The relationship with nature is not to be outdone and we find a little Nausicaa in our protagonist. 
The film introduces us to many characters who will have their place and their usefulness throughout the story: Chun and Kun, the two main protagonists linked by fate, Qiu, the "best friend in love" who will prove to be a precious ally, the sorcerer and his pacts, the old lady with rats, guardian of the underworld…
A contemplative fable…
True to its country of origin, the film has been inspired by Chinese myths and legends to create a philosophical fable that is well worth watching, at all ages. The animation is fluid, the colorful atmosphere very pleasing to the eye. The action scenes are impressive in beauty, and make us forget the few lengths of the scenario. The poetry is felt in each scene, the dialogues and scenarios add emotion and suspense. 
… and heartbreaking lengths.
If there is a major negative point to remember in Big Fish & Begonia, it is its length. One might think that 1h45 of film would pass quickly, but it's quite the opposite in reality. The story and its twists are multiple but could be summarized in less time, which makes several passages very long… Long moments without words, where nothing advances the scenario. Once past the wonder in front of the landscapes or the visual effects – which, it must be admitted, do not equal those of Studio Ghibli in the same genre – we end up not knowing what to do. We have to wait for the next scene, hoping that it will be more eventful. And even if we succeed, it remains to determine its interest in the advancement of history. Many passages are certainly visually beautiful, but without the slightest interest. We would have appreciated if at least they gave a little more information about the world in which the characters evolve. When talking about the characters, it is as difficult to identify them as it is to place them in context: their names are almost never mentioned and it is difficult to remember their true role.
Entertaining and carrying beautiful messages
If we forget for a moment the shortcomings of this film, we can nevertheless draw a certain benevolence in the subject. Throughout the story, Big Fish & Begonia teaches us the fine nuances between living and surviving, the beauty of sacrifice to save the person we love… It aptly addresses the subjects of maturity, coming of age, courage and devotion. 
But it also reminds us that by playing too much with fate, we thwart the right course of things, and that one day, we will have to pay the price. Nature is beautiful but governed by unshakable laws that make it as beautiful as it is dangerous. So, let's just thank her and enjoy the moment.
