“Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” (2022)

We have gotten so many versions of Pinocchio; this year alone, we had a big live-action remake by Disney, but still, no one ever did it just like this.

The story was unique and out of this world; Pinocchio has never been a Disney film that I honestly cared about. I couldn’t really remember it, in all honesty, but I do remember being bored as a child. This time around, I felt the action and passion through every scene, and that’s what Del Toro does better than most.

There was a real beauty to the animation that hadn’t been done before, it takes on the film as if it’s made with real-life characters and has a lot of soul.

Even though it’s fantasy, it really captures the beauty and essence of reality and emotion through the cinematography and colour pallets.

He adds controversial and large topics through mise en scene, which is really revolutionary in this kind of movie.

I really enjoyed the deeper moments of the film and how they were scattered partially. To have that in a children’s movie and hidden so perfectly shows the wonder of childhood and how we learn these lessons as we grow. How the childlike wonder can make the most disgusting reality’s a little more dreamlike

I also adored the story between father and son. The connection and the fact that no matter how far you go, you always find a way back to one another. This powerful message is for parents as well as children. Helping you discover that the bond you create will affect and change your life forever.

The only thing that I wasn’t a fan of was the songs; some were just random and unnecessary. As well as some being really short and out of the blue, meaning that the emotion built is lost at points.

I also want to add that this movie isn’t the cute Disney version; it is raw, powerful, and, I think, is more directed towards adults, a story with two versions. So if you’re expecting the cartoon from the 1940s, then think again.

Also, after watching the movie on Netflix, have a look at the short documentary that will just make you appreciate even more the dedication put towards this movie by everyone involved, and that I am sure will be rewarded with an Oscar for the best-animated film of the year.

Have you seen it? What did you think?

What is the most out-of-the-box movie you have seen this year?