Fallback

Maquia

Maquia poster

Maquia

20196840

Where to Watch Maquia

Maquia is a heart-touching anime movie directed by renowned animation creator Mari Okada, and featuring the voice talents of Xanthe Huynh and Eddy Lee. Released in 2018, Maquia tells an emotional tale of motherhood and bonding set amidst political turmoil, war, and fantasy.

The main protagonist, Maquia, voiced by Xanthe Huynh, lives in a land called Iorph, where people are known for weaving the events of time and living for centuries without aging. The tranquil existence of the Iorph community is shattered when they are attacked by the Mezarte Kingdom, which kidnaps Iorph inhabitants for their longevity. Maquia manages to escape the chaos, but not without witnessing the destruction of her homeland and loss of her friends.

During her desperate escape, Maquia stumbles upon a helpless baby boy, Erial. With no family in sight, Maquia takes the baby and decides to raise him as her own. This decision marks the beginning of a challenging journey for Maquia as she grapples with the hardships of motherhood, aging differences between her and Erial, and the relentless pursuit of the Mezarte Kingdom.

The voice performance of Eddy Lee as Erial reflects the ups and downs of growing up with a mother who doesn't age, trying to find his place in a society which fails to understand the complex relationship between him and Maquia. As Erial, Lee provides a depth to his character's growth, from an innocent child to a complex adult.

The story unwinds further when the two of them move to a small city where they begin to live a peaceful life. Maquia attempts to blend into this society, taking up a job and looking after Erial. However, as Erial grows older, their uncommon relationship leads to inevitable challenges. The difference in their ages becomes more prominent, raising questions about their true identity, their relationship, and the future awaiting them.

What sets Maquia apart from other animations is its riveting exploration of the concept of time – how time passes by, leaves its marks, and how people within the flow of time create, nurture, and shape relationships. It paints a vivid picture of a mother's unconditional love for her child, and how she bears the brunt of time, all with a brave and unwavering spirit.

The final element that binds the story together is its stunning animation which is at part with other celebrated anime films. A careful blend of traditional hand-drawn animation and CG creates impressive visuals complementing the movie's emotional depth. The Iorph land is portrayed in a way that is reminiscent of old-world charm, while the Mezarte Kingdom is depicted with a more cutthroat and modern allure. The contrast in the landscapes aids in painting the broad canvas on which the narrative of Maquia unfolds.

The music, composed by Kenji Kawai, is atmospheric and emotional, synchronizing perfectly with the rhythm of the narrative and characters' emotional moments. The musical score lends an additional heartwarming layer to the film, heightening notable sequences, thereby keeping the viewers engrossed.

Despite its fantasy setting, Maquia is a nuanced story that deals with universal themes: the inexorable passage of time, the complexities of human relationships, and the tenacity of love. The narration is powerful, highlighted by skilled voice acting, striking animation, and compelling soundtrack. Xanthe Huynh delivers a memorable performance as Maquia, bringing a mix of vulnerability and strength to her character. Eddy Lee's portrayal of Erial is equally moving and convincing.

In conclusion, Maquia is a compelling anime tale that will captivate viewers with its emotional narration, interesting characters, and gorgeous animation. The strong voice performances by Xanthe Huynh and Eddy Lee, coupled with an evocative soundtrack, make this movie a well-rounded fantasy-drama. This film is a testament to the fact that love, in all its forms, can triumph over time, separation, and sorrow. It serves as a reminder of the inherent strength and resilience present in relationships and the enduring bonds of family.

20196840
Director
Mari Okada
Stars
Xanthe Huynh, Eddy Lee
Genres
Drama