Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom

A beautifully crafted fairy tale with endearing characters and thought-provoking themes. While it's quite epic, its storyline remains refreshingly straightforward, punctuated by intriguing twists. Despite its nearly two-hour runtime, the pacing feels just right, though I wouldn't have minded delving deeper into some minor plot points for added richness. I appreciated the film's exploration of themes like "Where does true beauty lie?" and "What defines intelligence?" — themes that are subtly woven throughout the narrative without feeling forced. Both main characters quickly won me over, and while it was obvious that the script played into their hands in certain scenes, it's all part of the whimsical charm of a fairy tale. The animation is visually stunning with vibrant colors and intricate detail. The music complements the storytelling beautifully, enhancing the overall experience. For me, this fairy tale was a delightful experience, perfect for starting a sunny day. It left me with a sense of warmth and an eagerness to revisit its captivating story again someday. 8.8/10 (10/02/2024)