Ideological, but beautiful Many years after its premiere, such an animated film cannot but elicit a condescending smile, as the influence of communism is felt in literally every scene. It is even strange: the events take place in China, but there are more ideologies here than in any cartoon set in the USSR. Maybe this is how the director tried to please strict Chinese comrades?
The difference between positive and negative characters in The Liu Brothers is huge. If the brothers are smart guys (also with magical abilities), then the mandarin is the very embodiment of deceit and hostility. He doesn’t even have a name here, just a Mandarin who has power, wealth, a bunch of servants – in short, a whole set of ideological enemies of the Communists. Naturally, we have a victory of the good over the bad, and naturally the censors smiled pretty much as they watched the Liu Brothers.
But let us leave aside the obvious ideology. What about the other aspects? They're great! Animations, as well as locations, were created very diligently. Some of the footage even looks like photos or scenes from the movie. Of course, that's not true, and every tree, every leaf, was hand-drawn. Perhaps the main thing I would like to praise is the sun’s rays that are felt in each scene. To visit the pine forest or somewhere in the vicinity of the mandarin castle I would really like. And then there are very cute animals, especially goats, which one of the brothers saves from mortal danger. Fish, really, turned out funny, but, yeah.
There is epicness in the cartoon and there is visual beauty. In many respects, I have a positive opinion.
7 out of 10