Gandahar: René Laloux

Comparison's between René Laloux's Gandahar and Fantastic Planet (1973) are perhaps inevitable. Both are cerebral animated science-fiction films full of strange art, strange worlds, and even stranger creatures. But Gandahar is a more traditional narrative epic: it follows a Chosen Hero going on a Quest to Save the World. And while the character and creature designs in Gandahar are more creative and extreme, it is the Draags' home planet from Fantastic Planet that feels more, well, alien. Fantastic Planet felt like a story that took place on a completely different world while Gandahar feels like it takes place in an exaggerated, fantastical version of our own. The choppy, minimalistic animation style also didn't lend itself well to the climactic battle scenes. And even worse, the film completely loses steam during the third act. Gandahar is a fascinating experience. But it is also a lacking one.

6/10