Wizards

Wizards, directed by Ralph Bakshi and released in 1977, is a one-of-a-kind animated feature film. It possesses a characteristic piquant flair, making it a cult classic in the realm of science fiction fantasy. The on-screen magic crafted in Wizards draws its strength from its distinct animation style, engaging narrative, and superb voice work by Bob Holt, Jesse Welles, and Richard Romanus.

Set two million years in the future, shortly after a nuclear war, Wizards unfurls in a world that has dramatically reconstructed itself post-apocalypse. Split into two contrasting lands, the film follows the story of the inhabitants of the lush, idyllic land of Montagar and the barren, sterile Scortch.

Central to the plot are two wizard brothers, embodying the dichotomy of their world - Avatar, voiced by Bob Holt, lives in Montagar and believes in the power of magic. Exuding a certain warmth and a jovial spirit, Avatar contrasts sharply with his cancerous twin brother, Blackwolf, whose dwelling, Scortch, mirrors his sinister and malicious predilections. Portrayed by Steve Gravers, Blackwolf slithers through the narrative in his domineering and heartless manner, igniting the film's primary conflict.

A swath of memorable characters, both sinister and noble, flesh out the cinematic landscape. Among these is Elinore, a beautiful and plucky fairy princess voiced by Jesse Welles, whose robust performance breathes life into her character. She stands as a pivotal figure whose fiery spirit guides her through a world entangled in a chaotic struggle.

Richard Romanus voices Weehawk, a staunch and loyal elf warrior who accompanies Avatar on his heroic quest, providing both companionship and assistance in their fight against Blackwolf. This unwavering bonds of friendship and commitment are displayed beautifully between the characters, further fueling the emotional core of the film.

Wizards reflects Bakshi's unique creativity and vision, using an interesting blend of traditional cell animation, rotoscoping, and live-action footage. This eclectic combination sets it far apart from the sanitized, saccharine aesthetic commonly attributed to animated features of its time. Its visual style represents a stark departure from conventional animation, enabling a surreal landscape that contributes significantly to the film's unsettling atmosphere.

Crucially, Bakshi leverages the narrative power of an epic clash between magic and technology. This theme is expressed through the struggle between Avatar and Blackwolf - a tussle that underlines the larger conflict between peace and warfare, love and hatred, compassion and cruelty. Different philosophical underpinnings transcend the visuals, embedding the story with added depth and dimension.

The music, composed by Andrew Belling, sets a fitting atmospheric tone to the narrative through the haunting melody and psychedelic sounds. This is classic 70s flavour at its best and blends seamlessly with Bakshi’s idiosyncratic style.

Wizards is an innovative film that does not shy away from pushing the boundaries of general conceptions of animated features. Undoubtedly, the film deals with mature themes and unflinchingly presents scenes of violence and carnage, which may not suit the taste of every viewer. Those who revel in the multifaceted nature of dark, post-apocalyptic imaginings will find this film a rich tapestry brimming with intrigue and depth.

It's not every day that one stumbles upon a film like Wizards. Balancing harsh realities within an imaginative realm, Bakshi's film engages viewers with a thought-provoking narrative and layered characters. All these elements culminate in a film experience that is surprisingly poignant, starkly visual, and entirely unforgettable.

Intriguingly, the movie takes an innovative approach to animation, storytelling and cinematic tropes, converting the post-apocalyptic narrative into a grippingly evergreen tale of contrasting ideologies. For those drawn to movies that break conventions and offer an eclectic experience, Wizards is a piece of animated filmmaking that is worthy of a bow.