Monkey Enters Lanka

Saw this via Raindance Japan. Truly a marvelous spectacle blending Indian mythology with the artistic essence of Robert Rodriguez's Sin City. A tale from the Ramayana, focused on Hanuman and Ravana, unveils a mesmerizing world of contrasting visuals, deep characterization, and cultural richness.

The film, it bursts forth with a vivid orange/red juxtaposed against stark black and white, reminiscent of Sin City's noir aesthetics. These striking visuals capture the essence of Indian mythology, painting a world that is both ancient and modern, transporting viewers into a realm where the spiritual and the contemporary collide.

Now, the characters, particularly Hanuman, Sita and Ravana, take center stage in this narrative. The film delves into their personas, offering an in-depth exploration of their motivations, inner conflicts, and the intricacies of their souls. Hanuman, revered in Indian mythology for his loyalty and strength, is depicted with layers that go beyond his divine abilities. The audience is privy to his emotional struggles, his moral dilemmas, and his unwavering determination. His journey unfolds in a way that is both relatable and deeply engaging.

The film offers a nuanced portrayal of Ravana, delving into the depths of his ambitions, his insecurities, and the conflicts that drive his actions.

The director's vision in harmonizing the style of Sin City with the richness of Indian mythology is commendable. The use of visual effects and stylized cinematography mirrors Rodriguez's signature techniques, creating a striking visual feast that perfectly complements the narrative. The interplay between light and shadow, accentuated by vibrant splashes of color against the noir backdrop, adds depth and intensity to the storytelling.

The short film's focus on character depth within the context of an Indian mythological tale offers a refreshing and enlightening experience. It allows viewers, regardless of their familiarity with Indian culture, to immerse themselves in the complexities of these legendary characters. It's an artistic marvel that transcends boundaries and resonates on a universal level, inviting introspection and appreciation for the nuances of human nature and storytelling.

In conclusion, this short film, with its masterful blend of Indian mythology, Sin City-style visuals, and profound character studies, stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and cultural amalgamation in the realm of cinema. It's an experience that lingers, leaving a profound impact on the viewer's soul.

Many individuals are quick to criticize the creators of this film for what they perceive as a deviation from the traditional Ramayana story. There's a certain fixed mindset among all Indians due to their early exposure to the epic through the 80s tv serial. And any reinterpretation tends to be met with disapproval. Whether it's Raavana or Lanka, Indian films have a history of being molded to suit the sensibilities of each generation.

Let's take a moment to appreciate the hard work and audacity of the team behind this film. It actually closely follows the scriptures while gives the art and look of the movie a frank miller book feel

it's crucial to appreciate the efforts and creativity put into a project like this, rather than fixating on perceived deviations from the traditional narrative. This film succeeded in presenting a unique and visually compelling interpretation of the Ramayana, and for that, it deserves recognition and support.

Cannot understand the negative reviewers. Seems from the comment most are Indians offended by Sita being played by non-Indian actress but why?

We have Ramayana too. The famous Ramayana animation is also from Japan, directed by Yugo Sako. We love Ramayana and monkey magic in Japan, we have a deity like Hanuman in our culture. Please Indian friends, be open minded to adaptation.

My opinion on this movie: thank you for making it and casting diverse cast so it is reachable. Music is nice and specially thank you for Japanese subtitles. I watched in Raindance film festival and was moved by Hanuman story. As a big Sin city fan, but thank you for trying this stylistic choice.

What can I say this film is truly terrible, the animation is basic at best. The acting is some of the worst I've ever come across, it's amazing that Amazon will actually have this on their platform, as it's probably one of the worst films I've come across in years. It's truly not worth the 34 minutes of your time to watch it. Goodness knows how it's managed to Ghana so many accolades and awards, I can only assume that these are either paid for, made up, or corrupt. If you can manage to sit through the full presentation I can only assume that you are doing it under duress or have some sort of fetish for bad films.

Monkey by Lanka is a unique movie. The way the movie has been presented is outstanding and with such indepth narrative. Great movie and truely recommended.