STORYLINE:  In 1955, 60-year-old Marcel Pagnol is a well-known and acclaimed playwright and filmmaker. When the editor-in-chief of ELLE magazine commissions a weekly column about Pagnol’s childhood, he sees this as a great opportunity to go back to his artistic roots: writing. Realizing his memory is failing him and deeply affected by the disappointing results of his last two plays, Pagnol starts doubting his ability to pursue his work. That is until Little Marcel – the young boy he used to be – appears to him as if by magic. Together, they will explore Marcel Pagnol’s incredible life and bring back to life his most cherished encounters and memories. (IMDb)

   Animated movies don’t just take viewers under the sea, or take us to kingdoms far, far away.  Some, such as The Wind Rises (2013) and Loving Vincent (2017) tell audiences about real people, and places.  A Magnificent Life, the new film from the director of The triplets of Belleville (2003), tells the story of French filmmaker Marcel Pagnol.

     A Magnificent Life is more then a sprawling biopic, about a filmmaker and his creative process.  The film covers the history of the French filmmaking industry from  the start until   a few years after the end of the  Second World War, as well as the change in politics over the course of three decades.  That’s a lot of material for a ninety one minute movie. 

   Considering the short runtime there is no extra room to waste. The film gets right into the story, and does not deviate from that story, with unnecessary sidebars. 

     A Magnificent Life is beautifully animated.  The animation is hand drawn, with a incredible details in the characters and backgrounds.

    This is a fascinating feature film, that focuses on that start of cinena through the eyes of French filmmaker  Marcel Pagnol.  It is beautifully made, as well.

    Until next time, I will see you at the movies!