Magic Journey to Africa

Magic Journey to Africa, released in 2010, is a Spanish film articulated through an imaginative blend of mysticism, adventure, and breathtaking visuals. It could be one of the few cinematic experiences that has departed greatly from standard filmmaking norms, integrating magical realism and inventive storytelling techniques. Devised as a Darwinian journey through the eyes of a young girl named Jana, played by Eva Gerretsen, the film serenely adopts the genre of fantasy while painting an illustrious tableau of the awe-inspiring African continent.

The movie opens with the introduction of Jana, an enigmatic yet adventurous young girl, who possesses a curious fascination with the mysteries of the universe - the stars, and beyond. Her whimsical fascination is kindled by her father’s stories revolving around the constellations. Whether it's her father's tales or her incessant interest in exploring the world's mysteries, Jana pledges to undertake the African journey, gazillions of miles away from her home, in her dreams.

Jana's voyage to Africa does not begin in a typical African set-up, filled with savannah plains and roaring lions. Instead, it starts with an unexpected encounter with an elderly bushman in her dream, played by John Whiteley. This meeting is marked with the gifting of a magical feather, which opens up an entirely new universe for Jana - a universe of dreams and fantasies where all things unnatural and magical are plausible.

Carrying this feather with her, Jana is teleported to an alternate African realm. Detailed perfectly through picturesque visuals, this alternate Africa continent is home to many intriguing, mystical characters - talking animals, immortal wise men, and floating islands in the sky. As the story unfolds, we get to meet Pangolin and Monkey, voiced by Michael Van Wyk and Raymond Mvula, who accompany Jana in her dream-hopping escapades across this breathtaking locale and stand as her moral compass during her explorations.

Magic Journey to Africa offers some delightful commentary on the relationship between humans and nature and the inevitable cycle of life and death. It encourages the audience to self-reflect and appreciate the transience of life, the interconnectedness of beings, and the critical necessity for animals' preservation. The film provides an enchanting perspective on the interrelationship of stories, dreams, and reality without it being didactic.

The movie stands out for its beautiful visual elements and masterful storytelling. Shot for both 2D and 3D, Director and Writer, Jordi Llompart has done a commendable job in harnessing the technology to the fullest. The cinematography offers a feast for the eyes with an effective display of special effects and extraordinary, magical locations that manage to capture African landscapes' essence quite tangibly. The narrative also unravels masterfully, intertwining Jana's journey with allegorical storytelling about the relevance of dreams.

Eva Gerretsen as Jana delivers an outstanding performance, making the audience genuinely care for her and her African dream expedition. Both Michael Van Wyk and Raymond Mvula's voicing for the magical creatures bolsters the movie's fantastical elements, making the viewing experience truly immersive and unique.

Despite the extensive detailing and numerous magical elements, the film doesn't lose its grip on reality. Instead, it maintains a fine balance between the mystical and the mundane, the real and the imaginary, and beautifully transcends from one realm to another without losing sight of intelligibility. The film does not force-feed any information but allows the audience to experience and interpret Africa’s magic journey each in their way.

Although classified as an adventure fantasy film, Magic Journey to Africa is far more than an adventurous trot across the African continent. It is an enigmatic tale that uses African landscapes and cultures as the backdrop for a magical journey that blurs reality's lines and dreams. This movie truly offers a memorable cinematic experience, lapidated by mind-blowing special effects, an insightful storyline, and inspired performances by the cast. The film’s deeply resonating awe and wonderment promise to captivate both young ones and grown-ups, transporting them into a world where dreams, reality, and magic coexist harmoniously.