Up and Away

Up and Away is a delightful little gem released in 2018 that laces the magic of adventure and the essence of family bonds into one heartwarming tale. Directed by Karsten Kiilerich, starring Lucy Carolan, Gary Cooke, and Vibeke Dueholm, this Danish animation film promises to transport you to a fantastical journey.

The plot revolves around the young, vivacious boy Hodja, who dreams of exploring the world beyond the confines of his small village of Pjort. He has an insatiable thirst for adventure. Living in a small, tranquil town tucked away from the bustling city's noise, Hodja finds solace by imbibing tales of far-off lands recounted by the village older folk, which leave him yearning for his exploratory journey. However, with no means of undertaking this expedition, the young dreamer's destiny seems confined to his tranquil town's borders.

Fortunately, opportunity knocks on Hodja's door when a shady carpet merchant offers him a flying carpet to aid his explorative wanderlust, provided Hodja finds his missing granddaughter. Hodja sees a golden chance to finally embark upon the adventure he's coveted—voiced distinctively by Gary Cooke, the character is ready for the adventure of his lifetime. Armed with nothing but his dream and his faithful goat Raya, Hodja sets off on his journey that takes him from the rural town of Pjort to the flourishing city of Petra.

Lucy Carolan exquisitely voices Sapphire, a girl of the city, whose path intertwines with Hodja's. Sapphire's character sketch is a delightful mix of street smartness with a longing for a peaceful life far from the walls of the busy city of Petra, the total opposite of Hodja.

Vibeke Dueholm gives life to the powerful antagonist, Sultan, who rules over the city of Petra with an iron fist. Sultan’s coveting of flying carpets adds an interesting twist to the storyline.

The movie takes a riveting turn when the innocence of rural life clashes with the thriving chaos of the city, providing valuable lessons and significant character development for Hodja. The encounters with street thieves, fraudsters, a controlling Sultan, and the task at hand – finding the trader's lost granddaughter in the chaos and enormity of Petra – shape Hodja's character throughout the story.

Up and Away beautifully illustrates the joys of discovery, the meaning of a real home, and the importance of sticking to one's roots while also emphasizing bravery and morality. The movie delivers profound life lessons subtly, making it an excellent cinematic experience not just for the younger audience but also for adults.

The animation quality is enough to keep the viewers glued to their screens – the picturesque village of Pjort, the bustling bylanes of Petra, and the mystical flying carpet rides are animated with precision and color that sing praises of the movie's animation team. The character sketchesare immaculately animated – from Hodja's small town innocence to Sapphire's city-smart cleverness to Sultan's arrogant demeanor – adding heft to the storyline.

Narrating the tale of an ambitious boy in a whimsical world, Up and Away serves up an exhilarating ride promising laughter, thrills, and sentimentality in equal measures. With a well-structured plot, engaging characters, and a bouquet of emotions immersed in unpredictable situations, Up and Away is a must-watch animated feature.

Overall, Up and Away from 2018 promisesto be a good blend of fantasy, emotion, adventure, and a dash of humour, which retains its heart and warmth throughout the course of its running time. A captivating story of aspiration and quests, propelled by an engaging cast, this film provides a refreshing dose of youthfulness and charm that is hard to resist.