Sahara

Sahara is a brilliantly animated feature film released in 2017 that brings viewers into a mesmerizing desert world filled with delightful, yet exotic, serpentine characters. The movie showcases the exceptional voice talents of French actors Omar Sy, Louane Emera, and Franck Gastambide, who breath life into their roles in a magnificently agile and colorful landscape.

Sahara is essentially a coming-of-age story set in an extremely unusual setting. The narrative follows a charming, azure-hued dust snake named Ajar, voiced by Omar Sy. Ajar resides in the Sahara desert but is often ostracized by his fellow dust-dwelling snakes due to his distinct blue color, leading to a life of solitude and emerging feelings of inadequacy. However, everything begins to change for Ajar when he crosses paths with Eva (voiced by Louane Emera), a bewitching green serpent and princess from the lush oasis full of garden snakes.

When Eva gets kidnapped by snake charmers, the desperate and brave Ajar sets off on a quest to rescue his newfound love. Accompanied by his comical and scruffy scorpion sidekick, Pitt (voiced by Franck Gastambide), Ajar embarks on a perilous and epic journey across the vast, unforgiving Sahara Desert. This daunting adventure will pose numerous challenges and threats but will also bear witness to great courage, thrilling escapades, and, in typical animated movie fashion, life-altering lessons.

Far from just a reptilian rescue mission, Sahara is a vivacious expedition into the realms of friendship, determination, self-awareness, and personal growth. The narrative echoes a generous dose of moral lessons subtly layered within exciting adventures, making it an enriching viewing experience for both youngsters and adults.

The film cohesively balances danger and humor, testing the protagonist's resilience while interspersing situational comedy that adds a light-hearted charm to the perilous journey. The character of Pitt, especially, consistently imparts moments of comic relief, complementing the adrenaline-inducing action sequences that Ajar must undertake.

The director, Pierre Coré, along with his talented crew, does an incredible job shaping this animated world full of diverse terrains. From the rocky precipices and arid beauty of the vast desert to the lush greenery and serene blue waters of the oasis, the animation in Sahara is both vibrant and appealing. Alongside the picturesque sights, the character animation is fluid and engaging, bringing this desert world to life with a vitality that extends beyond the sandy horizons.

One of the compelling aspects of Sahara is the intricate detailing that goes into illustrating the various creatures inhabiting this world. From charming dust snakes and flamboyant scorpions to intimidating vultures and menacing cobras, every creature is uniquely designed, offering a visual treat for the audience.

Another prominent feature is the captivating soundtrack, which is as diverse as the terrain depicted in the film. It effectively mirrors the narrative, blending harmoniously with the scenes, and greatly enhances the overall audience experience.

The voice acting in Sahara is another commendable facet. Omar Sy brings a distinctive naivety to the underdog Ajar, which resonates well with the audience. Louane Emera too gives a charming performance as the beautiful and resilient Eva, while Franck Gastambide infuses a delightful energy into the role of the comical yet loyal friend, Pitt.

Sahara, despite being set in a desolate backdrop, is a vibrant tale of courage, love, friendship, perseverance, and self-discovery. It combines elements of adventure, humor, and romance in a unique setting that sets it apart from many of its contemporary animated films. With exceptional voice actors, engaging visuals, a heartwarming narrative, and a captivating soundtrack, this movie is an exuberant cinematic journey worth undertaking.