![]() This is not easy, hey, not even for a human boy. Pinocchio has to learn everything from scratch. The story of Pinocchio is a journey of self-discovery, full of ups and down during which the poor boy often misunderstands the rules of the world and oversteps the limits of common sense. Now how is a boy made of wood going to survive in a world full of humans and animals? But I think that the name Pinocchio could well mean: “See here the pine”, because the Italian word “pino” means pine and “occhio” means eye. The meaning of the name is still debatable. Geppetto considers him his natural son and calls him Pinocchio. The little wooden figure speaks and thinks like a young boy. He decides to sculpt it into a marionette. One day the carpenter Master Geppetto receives a strange present: a piece of wood that can speak. It is in particular an instructive fairy tale about a boy’s transition from wood to flesh and blood. The Adventure of Pinocchio (by Carlo Collodi, 1883) is a story about a boy growing up in a world that is at times hostile and dangerous, and at times full of marvellous things and extraordinary creatures. In this piece I would like to focus on the story of Pinocchio. There’s a softness and colourfulness to it but it never becomes overly sentimental.“ I will study, I will work, I will do all that you wish me to do, for indeed I have become weary of being a marionette, and I wish with all my heart to become a boy.” (Pinocchio, 1916 Edition) It’s impressive how well it keeps a balance to show the harsher side without becoming heavy, to move back and forth between that struggle and the inner stories, while still remaining accessible for children. It’s extremely wholesome and the design of the animation genuinely reflects that. Lamya’s Poem brings to life a children’s tale within a story of wartime survival and manages to retain a thoughtful, kind atmosphere. ![]() They’re very flowing and descriptive, which is a difficult thing to create while still feeling natural but it works here. It’s interesting also how the dialogue is delivered and its choice of words, even just the simple conversations between characters have a poetic quality. The whole ensemble tap into the sentimental but sincere nature to the story. Alongside Davis they create a very sweet relationship, his love of teaching and her love of learning is a perfect match. ![]() The rest of the cast also follow that tone of openness and kindness, particularly Raoul Bhaneja’s Mr. Both with the situation they find themselves in which reflects many displaced people escaping war and persecution, and by not fully embracing its most satisfying moment and simply letting it fade out. The only downside of the story is that during its final scenes, there was more room to explore. It may sound like an odd comparison but there’s something to it that’s reminiscent of Pinocchio, in the sense of that strong bond between child and parent, and a hugely active imagination and curiosity. Davis gives Lamya intelligence and charm, she’s still plenty naïve as you’d expect of someone her age but she’s also resilient and committed. She’s also simply a wonderful character to lead this story and she’s voiced lovingly and softly by Millie Davis. It sets a great atmosphere which can balance both by seeing everything through Lamya’s eyes and that childlike perspective keeps everything on the same page. The pacing is smooth and it holds your attention easily, it plays upon the imagination but still reflects the hardship and harrowing nature to the story. Moving back and forth from its heroine Lamya ( Millie Davis) to its historical and mythical storytelling works surprisingly well. It may look unpolished to some but those rough edges and its simplicity set a tone of wholesomeness and fits its welcoming intentions. The style of Lamya’s Poem immediately evokes the feel of a children’s book come to life, which was a perfect choice. Starring: Millie Davis, Faran Tahir, Mena Massoud, Raoul Bhaneja, Aya Bryn Zakarya and Nissae Isen. In a shared dream world populated by monsters and other threats that represent the perils they face on their respective journeys, she must help him write the poem that 800 years later will save her life. ![]() The book becomes a magical gateway where she meets the young Rumi when he was a refugee, escaping the terrible wars of his time. Written and directed by Alexander Kronemer, a young refugee girl fleeing violence and war finds a book of poetry by the celebrated 13th century poet, Rumi. ![]()
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