Thru the Moebius Strip

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Thru the Moebius Strip
Directed by Glenn Chaika
Kelvin Lee
Produced by Raymond Neoh
David Kirschner
Jun Aida
Written by Jim Cox
Editing by Bob Bender
Lois Freeman-Cox
Release date(s) 2006
Running time 87 minutes
Country China, US
Language Mandarin, English
Budget estimated $156 million RMB (about US $20 million)

Thru the Moebius Strip (Chinese: 魔比斯环) is the first 3D-CGI Chinese animated feature film, made in mainland China. The original story is based on a sci-fi adventure from comic book artist Jean Giraud.

Contents

[edit] Plot

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

The story is about the coming of age of a 14 year old boy who grew up refusing to accept the loss of his father. He reaches the planet Raphicca 27.2 million light years away to find that his father is prisoner in a kingdom of giant aliens who believe in magic and a medieval code of chivalry. In the midst of a raging battle between good and evil, Jac rescues his father, his new found family of aliens, the planet of Raphicca, and ultimately, the universe.

Spoilers end here.

[edit] Background

The film was financially backed by "GDC Entertainment" in Hong Kong and rendered in Shenzhen, China by the Institute of Digital Media Technology (IDMT). The project began with 200 animators in 2000 and grew to employ more than 400 by the end of production. Unlike traditional Chinese films, the movie was dubbed into English first. Previewed at the Second International Animation and Cartoon Festival at Hangzhou, China on April 27 and May 3rd, 2006[1], it is consider a critical first for Chinese animation products in the international market.

[edit] Reaction

The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2005 and received good reviews for the animation work[2]. However film critics have emphasized that the story was mostly catered to the west with eastern elements added in, making it difficult to satisfy any group of audience in any one particular region. Most reviews also claim that it is more of a graphical showcase.

[edit] Characters

Name Voiced by
Narrator Andrea Miller
Young Jac Michelle Ruff
Simon Weir Mark Hamill
Caroline Weir Peri Gilpin
Young Ragis Daisy Torme
Shepway Jean Simmons
Jac Weir Chris Marquette
Allana Kellie Martin
Prince Ragis Jonathan Taylor Thomas
King Tor Michael Dorn

[edit] Crew

  • Directed by Glenn Chaika
  • Animation director Kelvin Lee
  • Written by James Cox and Paul Gertz
  • Based on the Story by Jean Graud
  • Produced by Anthony Neoh, David Kirschner and Frank Foster
  • Executive producers Raymond D. Neoh, Jun Aida, Christopher Tuffin, Fred DeWysocki, Gordon Steel, Roxane Barbat and C. Scott Votaw
  • Co-producers Jean Giraud and Arnie Wong
  • Art director Fred Cline
  • Production designer Jean Giraud
  • Editors Bob Bender and Lois Freeman-Cox
  • Music by Nathan Lanier, Peter Breiner, Patrick Copeland and Oliver Lliboutry
  • Visual effects supervisor Manny Wong
  • Special effects department Wayne A. Kennedy
  • Sound designer Stephen P. Robinson
  • Casting and voice director Jack Flecther

[edit] References

  1. ^ China Economic Net. "China Economic Net." Thru the Moebius Strip: A 3D animated coup for China. Retrieved on 2006-12-27.
  2. ^ Animation Insider Net. "Animation Insider." China's Moebius Strip. Retrieved on 2006-12-27.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links