Deer King is a breathtaking and emotional fantasy adventure film about Hulu via Studio Ghibli Alumni Masashi Ando makes his directorial debut. Cartoon fans looking to get hooked on the world of The Deer King unfolding during the year should look to stream the film, which is available now on Hulu. The film was initially shown at several film festivals in 2021, where it won the Bronze Audience Award from the Fantasia International Film Festival, before GKIDS partnered with Fathom Events to offer a number of sessions. Selective screening to the public in July 2022.
The Deer King saw veteran Van captured and forced to serve indefinitely in the salt mines of Zol-controlled territory along with dozens of other prisoners. One night, a pack of ferocious Ossam dogs attacked, bringing with them a mysterious disease. Van escapes to save the life of a little girl named Yuna, and their lives are inexplicably intertwined by the experience and trauma they suffered. Their escape makes them highly sought after as survivors of being bitten by ferocious dogs, may possess the means to cure the mysterious disease known as Black Wolf Fever. Van and Yuna accompany the talented doctor Hohsalle, while on the run.
The Deer King is a breathtaking masterpiece
Based on the fantasy novel series by Nahoko Uehashi, The Deer King is directed by Masashi Ando, a Japanese animator, character designer and filmmaker known for his work in the series. movies like Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and Your Name. The film features a cast that includes Ryoma Takeuchi, Shinichi Tsutsumi, Tōru Sakurai, Anne Watanabe, Satoshi Hino, etc. The Deer King also has an English dub with familiar voice actors including Ray Chase, Griffin, and Griffin. Puatu, Erica Shroeder, and many others.
The Deer King talks about compassion in a world ruled by fear
The Deer King is conveyed not only by its beauty as the film’s themes deal with the devastation of war, the effect of fear on the masses and even finding family. Throughout the film, viewers continually witness Van’s incredible dedication to keeping Yuna safe, which speaks to his kind heart as well as immense pain and guilt. the big thing he had to go through after tragically losing both his wife and son. From the start, Van has shown to have a brave heart and a giving nature that makes him likeable in just a few minutes, and although he and Yuna are not related by blood, he stating that “blood ties don’t matter” and that his soul was saved by Yuna. At his core, Van is a man overwhelmed by grief but still believing in the importance of kindness.
While the story focuses on Van and Yuna’s journey and their burgeoning father-son relationship, viewers can take their time and meet a unique and memorable cast of characters. Many of these characters eventually support Van and Yuna in their journey or quickly discover that they can work together to defeat the overwhelming threat of Black Wolf Fever, the disease destroyed countless lives. One of the most memorable characters is Hohsalle, a benevolent doctor who joined Van and Yuna on their journey out of determination to end the reign of the Black Wolf Fever.
With some visually stunning scenes that showcase the natural beauty of this fantasy world and a thought-provoking ending, The Deer King is a must-see for anime lovers, especially especially those who like movies like Princess Mononoke. Deer King may not be one Studio Ghibli film, but it carries the spirit of the prolific studio.
Deer King available for purchase on Blu-ray and is currently viewable in Japanese or English on Hulu.
