Friday, October 2, 2009

Babin: A Magical Journey for the Whole Family

It can be difficult to find family-friendly movies at a film festival, but this year at CIFF you've got a great option!  Come see Babin, a French Canadian fairy tale set ambiguously "a long time ago..."

In a small, simple village there lived a cast of unusual characters.  The gossipy housewife who has been pregnant for years, the shopkeeper's husband who turns the village's bugs into fireflies, the blacksmith's daughter who has spent her life crying and counting flower petals, the priest with the magic pocket watch, and the Witch, who one night gives birth to a boy, Babin.  Babin grows up to be quite odd, and is given the title of village idiot.  Babin is a kind soul, but the other villagers are superstitious and blame their misfortunes on his unusual birth and presence.  When a tragedy in the village raises more eyebrows at Babin, he must make a choice for himself - and for the good of the other townspeople.  

Babin's journey is one of self-discovery, justice, and love - themes that are universal no matter what your age.  I'm a 22-year-old female and I thoroughly enjoyed the mysticism and warmth of the characters and story.  This film can easily entertain adults and children alike -  it's full of magic, fantasy, conflict, and life lessons.  Babin was nominated for 10 Jutra Awards, walking away with 6 wins including Best Art Direction, Best Achievement in Music, Best Costume Design, and Best Make-up.  It was also nominated for the DGC Craft Award for Production Design. 

The film is rated PG (Parental Guidance; a content advisory for mild violence), so exercise your discretion.  Also, it is French audio with English subtitles, so if you and/or your family do not speak French be aware that you will need to pay attention to the text on screen.  In other words, avoid bringing kids who are not yet old enough to read and keep up.  I recommend this movie as a great way to spend a saturday with the family!  Check out the matinee on Saturday, Oct. 2nd at The Globe at 2:30 PM.