What kind of work features witty and humorous daily dialogues, combined with simple, engaging, and imaginative plots, making it a comedy animated short film suitable for the whole family? It is "The Little Son," an original Taiwanese animated series that won the 54th Golden Bell Award for Best Animation Program and swept dozens of international film festivals, including the Melbourne International Animation Festival in Australia and the Zlín Film Festival for Children and Youth in the Czech Republic, receiving numerous accolades. Adapted from Taiwanese author Lo Yi-chin's essay collection of the same name, "The Little Son" tells the story of the interesting and heartwarming parent-child interactions between Lo Yi-chin and his younger son. With family as its core, the series was produced by Taiwan's Imagine Entertainment, with CEO Su Li-mei serving as executive producer and Shih Ming-hui, current Dean of the School of Film and New Media at National Taipei University of the Arts, as director. First aired in 2018, five seasons have been released as of 2022. The series is broadcast worldwide, and domestically, it has even incorporated local language features, releasing Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka dubbed versions. In addition to the familiar essays and animation, it has also been adapted into stage plays and musicals, and published as comics, chapter books, and picture books. The unique charm of "The Little Son" series makes it an excellent work loved by both adults and children. Let's explore the captivating aspects of "The Little Son" animation!
(Screenshot from YouTube "The Little Son" Animation)
"Close to Life, Simple Yet Impressive"
At the 54th Golden Bell Awards, the judges' evaluation of "The Little Son" was: "Natural and innocent text, conveying simple yet profound family warmth and parental love from trivial daily life, coupled with fast-paced and exaggeratedly humorous animation, full of childlike fun, bringing sincerity and emotion to the audience in its plainness." In "The Little Son," in addition to the protagonist, the little son Aningu, and his pet Duanduan's amusing and imaginative actions, the daily life of the Luo family—celebrating holidays, birthdays, and the interactions of the family of four—showcases pure and sincere family affection. It is suitable for all ages to watch together. The plot is simple and easy to understand, delicately portraying everyday emotions, and the amusing chemistry between the characters always brings a knowing smile.
(Screenshot from YouTube "The Little Son" Animation)
"Imagination is Superpower, Leading Audiences into a Fantasy World"
In addition to small stories close to life, the animation transforms daily events and the little son's internal fantasies into vivid and lively animated images. Every scene is filled with infinitely rich imagination, inviting viewers into a different world. "The Little Son" perfectly interprets the meaning of the phrase "imagination is your superpower." It makes the audience's hearts feel as if they are following Aningu and his dog Duanduan to fight villains and build their own Golden Rabbit and Black Rabbit kingdoms, unconsciously immersing themselves in the Luo family's life.
(Screenshot from YouTube "The Little Son" Animation)
"An Educational Animated Film"
Beyond its amusing and humorous plot, the animation also reveals life's meaning, principles of parent-child interaction, and how to treat others. This allows audiences of all ages not only to enjoy a relaxed viewing experience but also to gain rich insights and unexpected thoughts, rediscovering the original intention of family and true emotion in this heartwarming and tear-jerking animated work.
(Screenshot from YouTube "The Little Son" Animation)
Finally, from October 20th to October 26th, for one consecutive week, selected animated works from various regions and students within the university will be screened at the Art and Culture Eco-Museum of National Taipei University of the Arts. A special screening unit for "The Little Son" will also be featured. If you want to learn more about animation fun and enjoy a diverse range of animated films, then you must come to the 2024 Kuandu International Animation Festival!