Sita Sings The Blues - An Animated, Musical Fantasy Epic
An Ancient Hindu Tale Comes Alive In Fantastic Sight & Sound From Animator Nina Paley
If you love the fanciful art of animation from classic production houses such as Disney, Warner Brothers, Pixar and beyond, this is one film you’ll probably have no choice but to absolutely embrace. It’s a wholly original creation. Nina Paley’s Sita Sings The Blues, based on the Ramayana of Valmiki, will transport you to spend time in a richly realized, ancient landscape. Even the most cynical among us, if they’d only open to journey forth and take the trip, should thoroughly enjoy this unique experience.
It’s A Finger Snapping, Toe Tapping Musical
Sound and music matter. Just as Disney’s Aladdin, The Lion King or Mulan gets us engaged, energized and on our feet with its musical magic, Paley’s Sita is no slouch when it comes to the theatrical sounds and film score. Sita’s animation may not eclipse say the wonders of Toy Story or nature’s stark beauty in Finding Nemo, but it just may have you thinking of The Incredibles or Monster’s Inc in terms of its fantasy and creature elements.
Since it’s based on Hinda myth, legend and even religion, the characters and events are broad ones to be sure, and so the larger than life action and epic events won’t disappoint. Throughout it all, Paley infuses her excellent work with so much humor, you’ll be laughing straight on to the very end. Yes, your funny bone will be properly stimulated. It’s a genuine comedy too, but never outright parody or satire.
Animated Auteur
We’re used to seeing an enormous, near neverending list of creatives at the end of a film on the credits. This one’s a little sparse. What’s the most incredible part of it all is that Nina Paley literally did most everything here herself. It’s the most delightful definition of a film auteur, a true author of her fantastic opus.
So, honestly, I tried my best to avoid doing this, I really did, but I simply can’t resist saying it: You won’t sing the blues after watching Nina Paley’s triumphant animated accomplishment. There. Whew. I feel better. I hadda get that out!
Sita Sings The Blues impresses as a compelling, creative success in every way for Nina Paley and film fans. Like me, you’ll probably find yourself going back to it again and again - as is the case with that best kind of film we watch over and over again. Reliving those favorite scenes which only grow more appealing, laughing again at the same moments - and discovering new ones to savor - and relishing the wonderful music which is heard throughout. And perhaps the best part of it all? The film now lies within the public domain, and so it is absolutely FREE to download or to watch on YouTube.
Hindu Magic!