Recommended from 6 years
once : Kina and Yuki, a pair of arctic foxes ready to start their own family, live peacefully on an iceberg in the far north. Temperatures are abnormally mild and food is increasingly scarce, forcing the Yuki to go farther and farther to meet their needs.
When suddenly, a terrible crack caused by melting ice breaks this magnificent nature and separates our foxes, each isolated at one end of the ice stream. They will have to face all the dangers and explore new territories in the hope of being reunited in time before their children are born.
What they love: After telling the story of a small wild deer’s struggle to survive in Ailo: An Odyssey in Lapland, filmmaker Guillaume Maidachevsky opens his new tale, Kina and Yuk: The Fox of the Ice Stream. This live-action feature film tells a story worthy of an animated film and will delight the audience.
With its snowy landscapes, lovable furry characters and the soothing and caring voice of narrator Virgin Ephira, Kina & Yuk is the perfect movie to end the year with the family. Children will especially appreciate the mutual support and incredible friendship between the dog Rita and the polar miner Kina.
Inspired by a true story
Filmed in the far north of Canada and specifically in Dawson City (called Jack City in the film), the feature film is inspired by a true story. In 2018, fishermen rescued an arctic fox stuck on an iceberg while hunting. After reading this story – which says a lot about melting ice and global warming – Guillaume Maidachevsky immediately wanted to make a film about it. The director explains in the press kit: “ For me, this story has a very strong dramaturgy, and that’s what I look for when I make a film“.
The latter then decided to make his film as a story. He continued: “The universal dimension of the tale is important because the adventures experienced by our two heroes could happen to many other animals on the planet. The story is often a life lesson. But it’s the artistic part in particular that interests me because I love telling stories, that’s what drives me. And the fact of working with animals used to the cameras allows me to put the thinking into the dramaturgy and at the same time make sure, fundamentally, the credibility of the story.
My defense is not to anthropomorphize. Thanks to my work as a biologist, I know the behavior of animal species, and when I write a character bible, I always surround myself with scientists and specialists. When I feel that I am going too far, I ask for their advice.”
The result is a great family adventure full of magic in the heart of nature.
What might be bothering them: Kina and Yuki, the ice stream fox Creates some suspense and certain scenes, with an uncertain outcome, may disturb the youngest. Especially when Kina and Yuki get separated and Kina has to leave her lair for fear of being attacked by a red fox.
Vixen’s arrival in town and her confrontation with trucks, sled dogs and a pack of wolves may stress out the little ones, but rest assured that all ends well for our hero.
which they will hold deeply : Throughout her journey, Kina will meet many animals: a polar bear, a mare, an arctic hare, an ermine, arctic wolves and even a red fox. This will allow children to discover the Yukon’s wildlife and the direct impact of global warming-related ice melt.
An adventure film carried by 4-legged heroes, whom the audience wants to protect and help. Guillaume Maidachevsky allows us to discover foxes here and to see them in a different way than as predators. Like the wolf, the fox is often a villain in children’s books, it was time to demonize the film.
The amazing landscapes of Canada’s Great North seem frozen in time. The director explains in the film’s press conference: “It was there, in his cabin, that Jack London wrote WHITE FANG. In this region of Canada’s far north, temperatures drop to minus 40 degrees for six months of the year. The climate is very demanding and a certain kind of truth is derived from it. You can’t “cheat” there in the sense that you have to remove your shell, all the “makeup”, there is no artificiality, life there is very hard, raw.
And that’s what I’m also looking for in terms of image. Moreover, people remained as they were during the gold rush. Impressive, you can still pay with gold, there is a scale to weigh. The saloon and casino still exist. There was nothing to change, this is a movie set. “
This incredible story of love and friendship with spectacular scenery will delight the audience and leave you with a light heart.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
