1987 - GANDAHAR, another interesting science fiction film from René Laloux

Another visually striking science fiction film from Rene Laloux.  Gandhar has a fascinating story and at times some weird visuals.  It's the third and final feature for Laloux which had been preceded by Fantastic Planet and Time Masters.

 Gandahar's story is set in a future earth like planet inhabited by a female lead ruling council.  The council's scientists has developed a sophisicated organic technology over a more machine based approach in their daily existence.  One day Gandahar comes under attack by some robotic men who appear to be programmed to destroy Gandaharian society.  Needless to say the organic science is no match for the robot men.  Sent out by the ruling council, Sylvain, one of Gandahar's agents is tasked with learning the secret of the robot men and stopping them if possible

 

Simply put the film just looks interesting from a design point of view. The creatures featured in this film have fascinating looks to them particularly a race of mutants.  The animation is little more fluid than the animation in Fantastic Planet and the story moves along without any slow spots.   Definitely worth a look for science fiction fans not scared off by the animated film format.  This film also exists in an English version called The Light Years which replaced the original French music soundtrack with a more American sounding score.  It's probably best to stick to the original film.

 Gandahar was written by Rene Laloux, the running time is 79 minutes.

1973 - FANTASTIC PLANET, interesting, unusual science fiction film.

If you are looking for a fully fluidly animated feature film in the style of a Disney cartoon keep looking.  This is not a film that advanced the technique or art of animation.  However this is a fascinating science fiction film with a very interesting story.

On an earth like planet live two species.  The giant blue Drags who dominate a smaller humanoid species called the Oms.  The Drags treat the Oms as inferior pets at times almost like ants.  When one of the Oms escapes with a piece of Drag technology that educates individuals by directly transmitting information into their brains, the story becomes a metaphor for race relations as the Oms start to rebel.

 

The film has a unique look to it.  The animation may not be the pinnacle of full movement but the story and visual qualities of the film more than compensate for this lack of animation.  

 

The film was written by Rene Laloux and Roland Topor, the running time is 71 minutes.