Originally released in 2002, The Child Who Wanted to Be a Bear is a Danish animated film directed by Jannik Hastrup. Known for his touching, philosophical works, Hastrup, a master of Nordic animation, here explores deep, universal themes such as identity, family and belonging. Thanks to a complete restoration, this poignant adventure is ready to reach a new generation of viewers.
The story begins on an ice floe, where a pair of polar bears are pursued by a pack of wolves. In their desperate flight, the bear loses the cub she was to give birth to. Devastated, she is inconsolable until her mate abducts a human infant from an isolated house. Reluctant at first, the bear eventually accepts the child and raises him as her own. Growing up among the bears, the child's life is turned upside down when he is found by his biological father and brought back to man. Unhappy and uprooted, he dreams of becoming a bear again, showing the depth of his bond with his adoptive family and his desire to belong.
L'Enfant qui voulait être un ours is aimed primarily at families and fans of poetic, contemplative animated films. Themes such as the quest for identity and family ties will resonate with children and adults alike. The film stands out for its ability to deal with profound subjects through simple yet expressive animation. Jannik Hastrup's unique visual style, characterized by clean drawings and soft colors, reinforces the melancholy, dreamlike atmosphere of the story. Fans of films such as Song of the Sea and My Neighbor Totoro will no doubt find The Boy Who Wanted to Be a Bear just as captivating and moving.
With its re-release in a restored version on June 19, 2024, The Child Who Wanted to Be a Bear offers a new opportunity to discover or rediscover this animated gem. Directed by Jannik Hastrup, this film promises to touch hearts with its poignant story and universal themes. A not-to-be-missed adventure for all lovers of animation and profound storytelling.
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