Fantastic Planet (1973)

On a faraway planet where blue giants rule, oppressed humanoids rebel against their machine-like leaders.

Director:

René Laloux

Writers:

Stefan Wul (novel), Roland Topor (adaptation)

Stars:

Barry Bostwick, Jennifer Drake, Eric Baugin

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Jennifer Drake	...	Tiwa (voice)
Eric Baugin	...	Young Terr (voice)
Jean Topart	...	Master Sinh (voice)
Jean Valmont	...	Adult Terr - Narrator (voice)
Sylvie Lenoir	...	Additional Voices (voice)
Michèle Chahan	...	Additional Voices (voice)
Yves Barsacq	...	Om (voice)
Hubert de Lapparent	...	Additional Voices (voice)
Gérard Hernandez	...	Master Taj (voice)
Claude Joseph	...	Additional Voices (voice)
Philippe Ogouz	...	Additional Voices (voice)
Jacques Ruisseau	...	Additional Voices (voice)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Max Amyl	...	Additional Voices (voice)
Denis Boileau	...	Additional Voices (voice)
Madeleine Clervanne	...	Additional Voices (voice) (as Madeleine Clervannes)

Storyline

Slaves and masters dominate the narrative of the faraway world of Ygam. Set around the lifespan of Terr, a minute human shaped Om slave, and pet, of the giant blue alien Draags. Escaping into the wilderness and with a device used for intellectual advancement of the Draags, Terr finds refuge and support from fellow Oms 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:

animated science fiction | cult film | giant | slave | meditation | 

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Taglines:

A Sublime Trip to a Fine New World.

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Genres:

Animation | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

France Czechoslovakia

Language:

French Czech

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

The film was an international co-production between companies from France and Czechoslovakia.

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Goofs

The English dub in inconsistent on whether the Draags think the humans had organized life or not. In the original French version, the Draag council discusses that there is proof the humans of Earth may have had intelligence and a culture of their own, but they still think the evidence is not conclusive. The English version however inserts the line "they may have destroyed their entire civilization", making it look like the Draags have been aware that the humans at one point were civilized.

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Quotes

Draag child 1: It doesn't move.
Draag child 2: What a shame we can't play with her any more.

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Alternate Versions

The Italian version dubs baby Terr's whimpering when Tiwa first takes him home and gives him a collar.

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Connections

Featured in MsMojo: Top 10 Weirdest Animated Movies (2019)

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Soundtracks

Les Hommes - La Grande Co-Existence
Written and Performed by Alain Goraguer Et Son Orchestre

User Reviews

Truly Bizarre

Made in 1973, Fantastic Planet predates most mature animation. I think the only piece I've loved before this is Fantasia, three decades prior. But Fantastic Planet isn't just adult. Its also ambitious because of its surreal style. Fantastic Planet is one-of-a-kind, and freaking weird.

We are in a sci-fi world. But nothing meets expectations. Humans are dominated by giant blue aliens, kept as pets. These Draags are more advanced than us, but their devices are strange, stuff that'd never be useful in real life. There's hardly a regular moment in the film. Funny clothing, strange customs, nefarious devices, disturbing flora and fauna. In terms of creativity, I believe this is #1.

The other elements also compliment the style perfectly. The animation uses both traditional and stop-motion animation, giving the film a jerky pace. The soundtrack is pure 70s psychedelic. An appropriate tune for something impossible to fully comprehend. You get immersed in the experience.

However, a fair warning - this movie is the epitome of style-over-substience. The characters are weak, and the message is ancillary at best. If the unusual style doesn't appeal to you, then move on. But for those who love the animated art, its something you need to see at least once.