VIFF 2009 | McDull Kung Fu Kindergarten at Schema : more than ethnic

VIFF 2009 | McDull Kung Fu Kindergarten

McDull Kung Fu Kindergarten
Hong Kong/Japan/China, 2009, 77min
DIR: Brian Tse

Why are cute animals just so irresistible? In this animated film about a kind-hearted but dumb piglet from Hong Kong, we see the power of the cute pig. McDull works hard to be smart and get A grades for his typically Cantonese mom, Mrs. Mak. McDull gets his wish of achieving good grades by foregoing his favourite - "chicken on fire" - but both he and his mother eventually agree that this is too big a sacrifice to make. Seeking a change from the crowded Hong Kong streets, Mrs. Mak moves herself and McDull to the beautiful city of Wuhan. In order to toughen up McDull's sweet nature, Mrs. Mak dumps her son in a renowned Tai Chi Kung Fu school, headed by Master and the mysterious Brother Panda. Though at first McDull pines for his mother (and TV), he soon makes new friends and headway into his training. All is well until a national competition of martial arts schools is announced and the school's pride is on the line. Will McDull be able to save the day, or will he bungle up once again?

Based on the wildly popular animated series by husband and wife team Brian Tse and animator Alice Mak, McDull will charm the pants off any viewer. This animated film is a mix of traditional cartoon art, computer animation, and 3D backgrounds, which sometimes throws you off a bit visually. The characters are drawn in a typically cute way that would make Asian girls anywhere swoon and they are voiced by the most adorable child actors around. Still not convinced? Just watch the ending credits and you'll see the voice actors themselves dancing around the studio! The "McDull" series manages to tread the line between humour and seriousness with dancing ease, seamlessly mixing silly toilet humour with traditional Chinese themes and values. For anyone who hasn't heard of McDull and his adventures, this film is a great way to introduce yourself to this lovable and silly character who proves that it doesn't matter if you're not the best, just so long as you never give up and have a pure heart.

Schema Magazine's coverage of VIFF 2009 is sponsored by the Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival

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