Fantastic Planet (1973)
"La planète sauvage" (original title)

Slaves and masters dominate the narrative of the faraway world of Ygam. Set around the lifespan of Ter, a minute human shaped Om slave, and pet, of the giant blue alien Draags. Escaping ... See full summary »

Director:

René Laloux

Writers:

Stefan Wul (novel), Roland Topor (adaptation),

Stars:

Jennifer Drake, Eric Baugin, Jean Topart

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Jennifer Drake	...	Tiwa (voice)
Eric Baugin	...	Terr (voice)
Jean Topart	...	Maître Sinh (voice)
Jean Valmont	...	Terr adulte - le commentateur (voice)
Sylvie Lenoir	...	(voice)
Michèle Chahan	...	(voice)
Yves Barsacq	...	(voice)
Hubert de Lapparent	...	Voice (voice)
Gérard Hernandez	...	(voice)
Claude Joseph	...	(voice)
Philippe Ogouz	...	(voice)
Jacques Ruisseau	...	(voice)

Storyline

Slaves and masters dominate the narrative of the faraway world of Ygam. Set around the lifespan of Ter, a minute human shaped Om slave, and pet, of the giant blue alien Draags. Escaping into the wilderness and with a devise used for intellectual advancement of the Draags, Ter finds refuge and support from fellow Om's and using the learning tool, he finds that knowledge is power and then sets to use the new found knowledge to revolt against the Draag masters...

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Plot Keywords:

planet | giant | slave | pet | metaphor | 

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Taglines:

A Sublime Trip to a Fine New World

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Genres:

Animation | Drama | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Official Sites:

Arte Vidéo [fr]

Country:

France Czechoslovakia

Language:

French

Release Date:

1 December 1973 (USA)

Also Known As:

Fantastic Planet

Company Credits

Production Co:

Argos Films, Les Films Armorial, Institut National de l'Audiovisuel (INA)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

72 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

By pure coincidence or topical relevance the names in this film may be interpreted as: Terr - "terre" is French for "earth". Oms - "hommes" = "men", "mankind". Draags - "drogues" = "drugs".

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Quotes

Narrator: After a while, I lost my intimacy with Tiwa. As she grew up, she gave up her playthings.
Narrator: Deprived of lessons, I decided to run away.

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Connections

Referenced in Rudora no hihou (1996)

User Reviews

Near-masterpiece and one of the most memorable animated films ever made

"Fantastic Planet" was apparently double-billed frequently with "Yellow Submarine" back in the 70s, and its not hard to see why. Both are the finest heap trips animation could offer. Both are subversive fun coming under the guise of a children's film but really intended towards the older counterculture and intellectuals. However, both films have many unique qualities. "Fantastic Planet" is one of the most mind-blowing animated films I've seen in my life and pretty close to being a masterpiece.

The film looks beautiful and surreal at the same time. Like the films of Jodorowsky, it never comes across as being too pretentious because it manages to make you go along with its otherworldly inner logic. The plot is linear and easy to follow, but the world is so completely alien its bound to alienate some viewers. However, those who ask for more from cinema than just entertainment will love this. No wonder its a huge cult favorite over in France (with a none too shabby following in the states, many of whom saw it on USA's "Night Flight" TV series). The animation itself is rather primitive, but the imagination on display makes it work incredibly well. Every single image in this film is memorable. "Fantastic Planet" is a film that can't be done justice by a simple explanation. Its such a rich film it demands multiple viewings. (9/10)