Over The Moon – Movie Review

Well hello there! A New Year means new film reviews, so here we are and today’s movie of choice is the collaboration between Netflix, Pearl Studio, Dentsu Entertainment and Sony Pictures Imageworks better known as the animated movie ‘Over the Moon’.

Over the Moon is directed by Walt Disney Animations Studio alum Glen Keane in his directorial debut and co-directed by John Kahrs. The film also serves as Pearl Studios second film (their first being Abominable in 2019) and is a Chinese-American family fantasy musical film from the screenplay by Audrey Wells. Hosting a wide range of well known Asian American voices including Phillipa Soo, Ken Jeong, Margaret Cho and Sandra Oh and, relative newcomer, Cathy Ang who voices our lead character, Fei Fei, Over the Moon is the story of a young girl who builds a rocket ship to meet the mythical moon goddess, Chang’e.

Firstly, I will admit that I did some research after watching this movie so that I could properly assess the accuracy of the Chinese mythology and culture included in the film. A special thanks to the YouTuber Xiran Jay Zhao who went into fantastic detail in her video ‘The Chinese Cultural Details in Netflix’s Over the Moon.’ However, I do apologise in advance if I get some of the mythological details wrong.

From the get go, Over the Moon highlights that it will be discussing some sensitive topics, including the death of a parent, the difficulties of uniting two families and grief but it is done with great tact, sensitivity and care. The film goes to great lengths to show that grief over loss and change is not a bad thing and that though some things change other aspects of life will not. Naturally, the opening 10 or so minutes of the film show us Fei Fei and her happy family as her mother outlines the story of Chang’e but, as time passes, we see Fei Fei’s mother growing ill and passing away. This is a bit of a tear jerker moment but is generally not focused on too much. Four years later, Fei Fei learns that her father is engaged and that she is soon to have a step brother, Chin. During a celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the topic of Chang’e is brought up and, as Fei Fei’s aunts disagree on aspects of the story, one states that it isn’t real which upsets Fei Fei, who very much believes the story. To prove to her father, who no longer believes the story, Fei Fei builds a rocket ship which successfully takes off but, due to Chin sneaking on board, ends up almost crashing. However, they are brought to the moon by a mystical light where they meet, the one and only, Chang’e. It is then up to Fei Fei to find the gift that the Moon Goddess asks for.

In Over the Moon, some parts of the mythology are somewhat different but not hugely so. The general gist of the myth is that Chang’e sought refuge on/in the moon after her consort, Hou Yi, discovered she had stolen/accidentally taken the drug of immortality given to Hou Yi by the gods. Though he is depicted as a kind of potion maker in the film, the Hare is also sometimes described as the one who impedes the irate Hou Yi from seeing Chang’e unless Hou Yi agrees to reconcile with Chang’e. This differs from the version of the myth used in the film where Hou Yi seems to still be very much in love with Chang’e and is looking to be reunited with his love. Of course, as with all mythology, the series of events can vary widely and the general idea of the story remains the same.

Without too many spoilers, we see Fei Fei learning that though people have passed away and left us, we keep them alive in our memories and that no amount of change can alter the past. Fei Fei also comes to the realization that love is continuous even after death and that everyone deserves happiness. The film doesn’t over complicate the message so even though Fei Fei loses her mother early on in the film it is a good all round movie for the family. The musical numbers in the film are simple and to the point and move the plot along swiftly. However, out of all the songs on the soundtrack, ‘Ultraluminary’ is by far the most memorable and a spectacular introduction to our Moon Goddess. It will be catchy enough to get stuck in your head and a wonderful use of Phillipa Soo’s talent. Over the Moon is charming with beautiful animation and teaches real, positive life lessons about the endlessness of love. Netflix’s attempt at what Disney does so well definitely passes the test and is better than some of Disney’s own creations. Though parts do drag a bit the overall effect of the story is a great lesson and is very entertaining. Pearl Studios and Netflix have managed to create a heart warming story for younger audiences with enough action to keep them entertained. Overall, it is a good movie to entertain the family while we’re all still social distancing and definitely deserving of the rumours of and whisperings regarding its Oscar Nomination based on its animation and artwork alone.