The Journey

Review of the Anime Film "The Journey: The Story of Miracles and Battles on the Arabian Peninsula"

Introduction

"The Journey: The Story of Miracles and Battles on the Arabian Peninsula" is an adventure and fantasy animated film produced by the Japanese company Toei Animation and the Saudi company Manga Productions. This joint production tells a captivating story within the framework of the culture and history of the Arabian Peninsula, blended with fantasy elements and the art of Japanese animation.

Synopsis

The film follows Aws, a young man from Mecca, who, along with his friends, attempts to defend his city against an attack by an invading army led by Abraha. Abraha intends to destroy the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Mecca. Aws and his companions, with the help of various characters, face many hardships and challenges in their quest to protect their city and its culture.

This film is the first major co-production between a Japanese animation studio and a Saudi production company. This collaboration is not only important financially but is also rich in cultural and artistic terms. The fusion of Japanese animation style with Arab stories and culture offers a new and fascinating experience.

The film features an original story inspired by pre-Islamic historical events and regional folklore. At the same time, the inclusion of fantastical elements and mythical characters has made the story more appealing to a modern audience.

Animation Quality

Toei Animation, known for its famous productions like "Dragon Ball" and "One Piece," has provided high-quality animation for this film. The movement and character design, the battle scenes, and the depiction of the Arab nature and environment have been beautifully and meticulously executed. The film carries several important messages, such as the importance of unity, courage, sacrifice, cultural preservation, and resisting oppression. These messages are effectively conveyed through the characters and the events of the story. The film strives to accurately and respectfully portray the life and culture of the people of the Arabian Peninsula during that era. The clothing, architecture, traditions, and even the film's music are specially chosen to match the story's atmosphere.

Analysis and Interpretation

Character Development: As the protagonist, Aws undergoes a journey of growth and transformation. Initially an ordinary young man, he learns courage, responsibility, and leadership through the passage of time and by facing hardships. His friends develop similarly and play a significant role in the final victory.

The Conflict of Good and Evil: The main conflict of the film occurs between the forces of good (Aws and his friends) and the forces of evil (Abraha and his army). This conflict is not just an armed battle but a struggle between two beliefs and two ways of life. Abraha represents tyranny, selfishness, and destruction, while Aws represents justice, selflessness, and protection.

The Story's Connection to History and Religion

The film indirectly alludes to a significant historical event: Abraha's attempt to destroy the Kaaba. In Islam, this event is known as the "Year of the Elephant" and is considered one of the signs before the advent of the Prophet of Islam. Although the film does not strictly adhere to religious narratives, it draws inspiration from them and has attempted to respect the sanctity of the Kaaba and the importance of the event.

Conclusion

This film can have a significant impact on the animation and film production industry in the Arab and Islamic world. It can serve as an incentive for other producers to explore the region's original stories and use new technology to tell them. It can also help introduce Arab heritage and culture to the world in an engaging way. "The Journey: The Story of Miracles and Battles on the Arabian Peninsula" is a successful production that tells a compelling story within a rich historical and cultural framework. The film captures the audience's attention with its high-quality animation, its powerful message, and its attention to cultural details. This joint production between Japan and Saudi Arabia could be the beginning of further collaboration in the field of animation and film production in the Arab world.