2024 /7 /21 Lin Tzu-Yu
Directed by veteran Taiwanese animation director Wang Shih-Wei, the 3D fantasy adventure animated film "The Forest of Spirits / LUDA," based on Taiwanese folklore, was selected as the opening film for the Taichung International Animation Festival in 2023. This year, it is set to make a grand appearance at the Kuandu International Animation Festival, hosted by National Taipei University of the Arts.
The story follows a brave little girl named Lucky who ventures into the dark forest to find her missing parents, where she encounters Luda, a Mo-shen-a (a type of Taiwanese spirit) who claims to be a guide. Along the way, she meets many spirits hidden in the forest, such as the Shan-sao, Black Dog Spirit, Oil-hoof Cat, and Earth Ox. After overcoming many dangers and helping each other, they eventually become trusted friends. However, deep in the forest, Lucky discovers that Luda, the Mo-shen-a, was only helping her to find a substitute (抓交替). Should she choose to trust her friend? And in the end, will she successfully find her parents?
This film took ten years to produce, with its story revolving around many well-known spirits, such as the Earth Ox, which sleeps deep underground and causes earthquakes every time it turns over; the Black Dog Spirit, transformed from a deceased black dog, causing mischief everywhere and difficult to subdue; and the Oil-hoof Cat, whose paws leave oily footprints and can revive the dead by passing over a corpse... All these familiar spirits have been given charming, interesting, lively appearances by the production team, adding a modern and colorful dimension to Taiwan's traditional folklore.
Director Wang Shih-Wei stated that the inspiration for making this film came from seeing children always dressing up as Western ghosts and monsters during Halloween, but never seeing any trace of traditional Taiwanese spirits. Therefore, while watching the film, why not pay attention to your favorite little spirits and share the wonderful legends that once appeared on this land with your family and friends?
Furthermore, during the long production process, director Wang Shih-Wei, as a father, saw his daughter grow from 2 years old at the start of production to 12 years old upon the film's completion. She transformed from a simple audience member into the voice actress for the protagonist, Lucky. It was as if traversing through time; a film originally intended for his daughter to watch was ultimately narrated by her own voice, completing a beautiful convergence of time, growth, and artistic crystallization.
What are you waiting for? If you missed 2023, then hurry to the 2024 Kuandu International Animation Festival and join us in weaving a wonderful adventure with Taiwan's little spirits!