Bilal: A New Breed of Hero — A Spicy Feast for the Eyes

You know, there are times when I just want to watch something that’s not all moody Nordic noir. Enter “Bilal: A New Breed of Hero” – a film that dives deep into historical themes with a fantasy twist. The story follows Bilal, an African slave who aspires to freedom and justice. The animation here is something else, with a distinct, almost tactile visual style that occasionally made me forget I was watching CGI.

Star-Studded Voice Cast

It’s got a voice cast that includes Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Ian McShane. These guys…wow. Hearing Ian’s familiar gruffness in the movie was like finding a Dala horse in a flea market in New York. It just feels oddly comforting. Adewale’s commanding voice gives soul to Bilal’s character, which is crucial in making you root for him throughout.

Flashbacks and Memories

While watching Bilal, I couldn’t help but be reminded of a school visit to Älvsborg Fortress when I was small. I was, maybe eight or so, running through the old stone corridors, imagining what it was like to be there centuries ago. Bilal’s story triggered that sense of awe I had as a kid, pondering about freedom, justice, and battles fought long ago.

Not All Sunny Skies

But being totally honest, sometimes the film feels like it’s trying too hard to hit an epic tone. The soundtrack is pounding and dramatic at every turn – like, calm down a bit, okay? And a few of the plot turns were as predictable as winter in Sweden.

Still, it’s got a certain energy and passion that makes it worth a peek. It’s like tasting someone’s experimental glögg at Christmas; maybe it’s not exactly what you expected, but it is rich in its own right, and leaves you with a mix of flavors to ponder.

Check the trailer below