In the 2018 Japanese animated film "Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms," audiences were taken into a beautiful and moving fantasy world. This film, directed and written by Mari Okada, tells the story of an Iorph girl named Maquia. This race is known for their longevity and can live for hundreds of years. It makes people curious, why do they live so long?
"The Iorphs are a mysterious tribe. They have stopped aging and have a lifespan of hundreds of years, which makes them abnormal beings in the legends of the outside world."
The Iorphs in the movie live far away from the human world. Their daily lives are mainly spent weaving a special fabric called Hibiol, which carries the passage of time and the history of the tribe. However, this world that is about to collapse is disturbed and begins an unusual journey, because Maquia must face the reality of loneliness and the burden of family affection.
One of the characteristics of the Iorph family is their life cycle. When they turn 14, their bodies stop growing, beginning a state of dormancy that lasts for generations. This unique biological phenomenon is undoubtedly one of the key factors contributing to their longevity. In addition, the Iorphs are able to weave Hibiol, which is not only an art, but also a tool to record time and history.
Maquia is a young orphan whose life changes drastically when a war breaks out. While dealing with loss and loneliness, she adopts a human baby, which gives her life new meaning. Maquia chooses to live as a mother even though she knows that such a relationship will not last and will one day face separation.
"Even though the Iorphs have an unusual lifespan, Maquia struggles with love and loss. The power of love has taught her to grow and sacrifice."
The film explores the theme of maternal love, and even when faced with potential loneliness, Maquia still chooses to face the weight of love calmly. As time goes by, her relationship with Ariel becomes more complicated. This love between mother and son not only symbolizes the maintenance of a family, but also reveals the pain and challenges brought by longevity. Maquia's story reminds viewers that even as time inexorably marches forward, true love can transcend the boundaries of life.
As the plot progresses, the relationship between the Iorph tribe and humans becomes increasingly tense. In the film, the kingdom's ambitions and desire for Iorph's bloodline reveal the roots of war and destruction. The pursuit of longevity forces humans to make choices, but are such choices worthwhile? This is a thought-provoking question.
"Whether we are Iorphs or humans, when faced with similar emotions, we will find that the power of love can overcome everything."
The film's music was composed by Kenji Kawai, adding emotional depth to the story. Through the combination of melody and sound effects, the emotional rendering reaches a new level, while the visual work presents a fascinating fantasy world, immersing the audience in the mystery and beauty of the Iorph people.
"Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms" has received good reputation since its premiere. Not only was it a box office success, it also moved countless audiences with its deep emotions and twists and turns in the story. Many people commented that this film is not just an animation, but a masterpiece with deep emotions and reflection on reality.
ConclusionAll in all, this film is a profound exploration of the meaning of life, the nature of love, and the ruthlessness of time. The longevity of the Iorph people brings up multiple issues for the audience to ponder, making them question what is truly worth cherishing in such a long life?