"Story of Ochi": A youthful girl encounters mythical creatures
In the heart of the Carpathian mountains, life is steeped in old customs and age-old fears. Nestled amidst these ancient traditions, a small village continues to thrive, despite the encroachment of modern technology. Here, the residents still live by their ancestors' ways, and the creature known as the Ochi remains a terrifying figure in local lore.
Yuri, a headstrong and independent teenager, challenges the status quo when she saves a baby Ochi from certain doom. This sets her on a collision course with her own father, Maxim, who is the leader of a band of young hunters sworn to eliminate the Ochi. In The Legend of Ochi, reality and fantasy intertwine as humans and animals collide in a spectacular tale of discovery and courage.
Isaiah Saxon, the visionary behind the film, shares his journey in creating this unique world: "From the moment I saw the image of a giant creature cradling a child, I knew I wanted to tell the story of a child and an unknown 'other.' As I wrote, it became apparent that this 'other' would be an animal – thus, the origin of this mysterious primate species."
When the similarity between Saxon's film and the narrative and visual universe of the revered Hayao Miyazaki was pointed out, the filmmaker's eyes sparkled with excitement: "My cinematic heroes are Hayao Miyazaki, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Stanley Kubrick. Seeing Princess Mononoke at the age of 21 was an eye-opening experience. Making a film in Miyazaki's style felt like coming home – a world where I wouldn't feel out of place."
One of the strengths of The Legend of Ochi lies in its ability to create not just a separate universe but a distinct sense of time and place. While the movie shares a striking resemblance to Miyazaki's work, it stands on its own as a unique story that draws inspiration from the rich folklore of the Carpathians. The movie was filmed in remote Transylvanian villages where time seems to have stood still, and Saxon's family originates from. Despite not creating a film directly about Romanian culture, he felt compelled to honor it by respectfully representing the traditions and customs of the Carpathians.
Visually, the film boasts a pendant, painterly beauty. The distant forest panoramas often resemble watercolors, reflecting Saxon's background in fine arts. The story is told authentically through the environment, where characters evolve, think, and make crucial decisions, while the world communicates their thoughts and feelings.
When it comes to the Ochi, the film expertly balances realism and fantasy. The creation of the Ochi was achieved through physical and animatronic effects, making them adorable yet ferocious. Finn Wolfhard, famed for his roles in the Stranger Things and IT series, portrays Petro, Yuri's adopted brother who faces a profound internal struggle in his quest for acceptance and empathy.
As The Legend of Ochi hits theaters, it stands as a testament to the power of imagination, the importance of empathy, and the inspiration derived from the works of great filmmakers like Hayao Miyazaki. This original tale of kinship, coexistence, and the courage to challenge established beliefs is sure to captivate audiences and leave an indelible impression.
Yuri's Quest
Helena Zengel, star of News of the World (La mission) plays Yuri, a daring and determined young iconoclast. Recalling her experience on set, Zengel says: "I was drawn to Isaiah's vision from the beginning. It's a story set in a mythical, realistic, and fantastical world that explores a female character's journey to self-discovery and freedom."
Finn Wolfhard, best known for his roles in Stranger Things and IT series, embodies Petro, Yuri's adopted brother and follower of the formidable Maxim. "Playing Petro was like wrestling with two opposing forces within me. On one hand, there's the desire to be strong and earn Maxim's approval, and on the other hand, there's the side that yearns for empathy and compassion. Balancing these contradictory poles made for an unforgettable acting experience."
- The mytheical Ochi, a creature from the ancient lore of the Carpathian mountains, is portrayed in the film, The Legend of Ochi.
- Despite being filmed in remote Transylvanian villages, The Legend of Ochi doesn't directly tell a story about Romanian culture, but it respectfully represents the Carpathian traditions and customs.
- Yuri, the protagonist of The Legend of Ochi, lives in a world where movies and TV entertainment, such as Stranger Things and IT series, are not yet mainstream, but her quest for self-discovery and freedom is reminiscent of stories found in those mediums.
- The environment in The Legend of Ochi is not just a backdrop; it's a character that communicates thoughts and feelings, much like in the work of renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki.
