The back cover of the DVD of Kirikou and the Wild Beast, the sequel to the beloved 1998 French film Kirikou and the Sorceress, features the following warning: “Note: Women are shown in traditional attire (sarongs only), and children wear no clothing.” This is necessary because there are people out there who would be shocked—shocked!—and offended by the sight of women's naked breasts and little-boy penises in an animated film that is as deliberately stylized as a children's book (and neither sexy nor provocative in the least). Debuting at Cannes in 2005 but just now coming to the U.S., Kirikou and the Wild Beast draws on West African folktales to tell more stories about strange little superhero Kirikou, who bravely takes on a witch (the sorceress from the first movie, who's up to her old tricks again), a hyena, and other threats to his village. Featuring the music of such talents as Youssou N'Dour, this beautifully animated film is one for the whole family to enjoy—assuming, of course, that no one is scandalized by a simple line rendering of the human body. Recommended. (M. Johanson)
Kirikou and the Wild Beast
Kino, 95 min., in French w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $24.95, July 29 Volume 23, Issue 5
Kirikou and the Wild Beast
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