Over The Moon

Over The Moon (2019)

IMDB RATINGS: 8.2

Over the Moon is a film that immediately strikes a chord with those familiar with the Chinese legend of the mythical goddess in the moon, and is celebrated with moon cakes and lanterns. Directed by Glen Keane, Over the Moon is a computer –animated fantasy film produced by Pearl Studio and Netflix animation.

Fei Fei, a girl who is more adventurous than most girls of her age, is told of the legend of the Moon goddess Changé who took a potion for immortality and awaits her lover Houyi. Enraptured by the legend, Fei Fei and her family make mooncakes for the village, but Fei Fei’s mother falls ill and passes away after giving her a white rabbit called Bungee.

Four years later, Fei Fei is still enchanted by the story of the moon goddess, but is upset when her father plans to marry Ms. Zhong, who has an annoying son called Chin, who comes to live with them. Fei Fei is disenchanted with her new life circumstances, and decides to build a rocket to fly to the moon, to prove that Changé is real. She flies to the moon in a lantern shaped rocket and almost reaches it when she learns that Chin has got into the rocket without her knowledge. They begin to crash down to earth. All of a sudden, a mystical beam of energy propels the rocket forward to the moon and to a place called Lunaria.

At Lunaria, they meet Changé and her dancers. Changé demands a gift from Fei Fei which was supposed to bring back her lover Houyi. After a lot of trials and tribulations, Fei Fei finds out a broken half of an open jade in one of her mooncakes, and realizes that it must be Chang’d’s gift. She presents the gift to Changé, who makes a full jade circle. The charm works, and Chané and Houyi are briefly reunited, but Houyi soon fades away after asking Changé to move on. Changé refuses to accept this, and slips into depression, causing all the light in Lunaria to be put out. Fei Fei tries to console Changé but she too is overcome by sadness due to a vision of her mother who passed away years back. Changé and Fei Fei finds strength in each other, and realizes that they must move on from the tragedy of their loved ones’ death. Once they accept the reality, lights are restored in Lunaria.

Changé thanks Fei Fei by allowing her and Chin a passage back home. At home, Fei Fei accepts the reality of her father and Mrs. Zhong’s marriage and Chin as her brother. A year later, Fei Fei is living happily with her new family, and often looks up at the moon, remembering Changé.

Key Takeaway for Kids

Kids can learn about the importance of chasing dreams, coping with loss, and the power of family and determination in the movie "Over the Moon." The protagonist, Fei Fei, teaches children to believe in themselves and never give up on their aspirations, even when faced with obstacles. Through Fei Fei's journey to prove the existence of the Moon Goddess, kids can understand the value of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges.

Moreover, the movie portrays the theme of coping with loss and moving forward. Fei Fei's experience of losing her mother and learning to accept her new family dynamics can teach children about grief and the process of healing. It emphasizes the importance of cherishing memories while also embracing change and new beginnings.

The strong emphasis on family bonds in the film highlights the significance of love, support, and unity within a family. Kids can learn about the power of relationships and the importance of coming together in times of need. Additionally, the movie encourages children to appreciate cultural traditions and stories, as seen in the Chinese folklore elements woven into the narrative.

By watching "Over the Moon," kids can also discover the beauty of imagination, creativity, and the wonders of the universe. The vibrant animation and captivating storytelling can inspire children to explore their own creativity and curiosity about the world around them. Ultimately, the movie encourages kids to believe in themselves, cherish their loved ones, and embrace life's adventures with courage and an open heart.