Movie review by Dennis D. McDonald

I’ve been an animation fan for a long time and enjoy all types ranging from minimalist, hand drawn, short films such as Don Herzfeldt’s World of Tomorrow to gorgeously rendered computer aided images that electrify the eyeballs such as Ji Zhao's New Gods: Nezha Reborn.

Regardless of technique, an animated film without strong characters and an engaging story is a disappointment. I’m happy to report that one film that splendidly combines strong characters and an engaging story with spectacularly rendered artwork is Bombay Rose. It tells the story of how a young woman, struggling to support her family, becomes romantically entangled with a young ne’er-do-well flower-seller. Side characters are flushed out as the movie progresses but it’s how the two main characters’ secrets are revealed that adds complexity and interest.

What sets a foundation for the strong storyline is the artwork. Colors fluctuate between vibrant splashes of primary colors and faded black-and-white. In the course of two characters walking down the street, for example, we see the background transform to what streets look like in 1930s India. Dreams and daydreams shift to the appearance of classic Indian paintings complete with mythical characters and animals. Individual characters are painted with broad brush strokes but have distinctive personalities and realistic movement; see, for example, how a uniform-clad school girl looks as she skips to and from school.

The movie incorporates real world topics including poverty, bribery, human trafficking, religious intolerance, and child labor. It focuses on life “on the street” and the constant struggle to survive. That it does so in such an artistic and romantic manner drives its unique and exceptional appeal. Highly recommended.

Review copyright (C) 2023 by Dennis D. McDonald

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