On a tiny exotic island, Tuesday, an outgoing parrot lives with his quirky animal friends in paradise. However, Tuesday can’t stop dreaming about discovering the world. After a violent storm, Tuesday and his friends wake up to find a strange creature on the beach: Robinson Crusoe. Tuesday immediately views Crusoe as his ticket off the island to explore new lands. Likewise, Crusoe soon realizes that the key to surviving on the island is through the help of Tuesday and the other animals. It isn’t always easy at first, as the animals don’t speak “human.” Slowly but surely, they all start living together in harmony, until one day, when their comfortable life is overturned by two savage cats, who wish to take control of the island. A battle ensues between the cats and the group of friends but Crusoe and the animals soon discover the true power of friendship up against all odds (even savage cats).
“Robinson Crusoe” 2016 Movie Review: A Vibrant Adventure on the High Seas
Introduction Released in 2016 and also known as “The Wild Life” in some regions, “Robinson Crusoe” is an animated retelling of the classic novel by Daniel Defoe. Directed by Vincent Kesteloot and Ben Stassen, this family-friendly film shifts the perspective from the famous castaway to the quirky animals who inhabit the tropical island where Crusoe finds himself stranded. With colorful animation and a playful tone, the movie aims to introduce younger audiences to the timeless tale of survival and adventure.
Plot Overview After a violent storm wrecks his ship, Robinson Crusoe finds himself washed ashore on a seemingly deserted island. Unbeknownst to him, the island is home to a group of exotic animals who initially view him as a threat but soon become his friends and allies. The story is primarily seen through the eyes of Mak, a parrot who dreams of exploring the world beyond the island. Together, Crusoe and his new animal friends must band together to survive the elements and fend off a pair of evil cats who also survived the shipwreck.
Cast and Performances While the film features no big-name voice actors, the cast brings energy and charm to their roles, making the animal characters endearing and memorable. The voices are well-suited to their characters, adding personality and humor to the film’s storytelling, helping to engage the intended younger audience.
Direction and Cinematography Directors Vincent Kesteloot and Ben Stassen create a visually appealing setting that is rich in color and detail, making the most of the film’s exotic island locale. The animation is vibrant and fluid, with the cinematic quality of the ocean and jungle scenes providing a lush backdrop for the story’s action. The use of 3D technology enhances the dynamic and immersive feel of the adventure.
Themes and Messages “Robinson Crusoe” focuses on themes of friendship, teamwork, and the importance of harmony with nature. The film adapts the original story’s survival theme by emphasizing cooperation between species and adapting to one’s environment. It’s a light-hearted take on the novel, suitable for its young audience, imparting lessons about overcoming differences to work together.
Conclusion “Robinson Crusoe” 2016 provides a fun and family-friendly version of a classic adventure story, though it may not offer much in terms of depth for older audiences. It succeeds as an introduction to the story for children, featuring enough humor and action to keep them entertained while subtly educating them on themes of cooperation and resilience.
Final Thoughts For families seeking a gentle, animated take on a classic story, “Robinson Crusoe” offers a delightful watch. The film’s approach to telling the story from the animals’ perspective adds a fresh twist, making it an appealing choice for a young audience’s movie night.
