[Animated Film] The One and Only Ivan

Watched on: 01/23/2024

Reviewed on: 04/07/2024

The production techniques in "The One and Only Ivan" is very great. It deeply touch me, especially when the animals' sparkling eyes are shown in close-ups. Everyone yearns for freedom, including animals, but entering the wilderness carelessly means losing survival guarantees along with gaining freedom.

The animals' first escape reminds me of the character Nora in Lu Xun's work. Lu Xun asks, "What happens after Nora leaves?" However, once awakened, it is difficult for Nora to return to her dreams, so she must leave. But after leaving, she sometimes faces downfall or returns. Otherwise, one must ask: what else did she take with her besides her awakened heart? Even if she only has a purple and red velvet scarf like the nobles, it is completely useless, whether it is two or three feet wide. She needs to be richer and have money in her purse. Lu Xun emphasizes the importance of money when he says, "Dreams are good, but money is essential."

As expected, after their first escape, the animals return to the circus.

The film appears to tell a story of pursuing freedom on the surface. However, upon closer examination, what kind of freedom does Ivan seek, and what kind of freedom do people ultimately grant him? Can Ivan control the freedom of nature, or has he merely traded one cage for another? People protest to improve Ivan's living conditions, but they do not protest the control over him; they merely change his location. Therefore, as long as the deception is successful, limited freedom is acknowledged for those like Mr. De, but it is not recognized when the deception fails.