Film Journal 2024: Riddle of Fire

Film Journal 2024: Riddle of Fire
Directed by Weston Razooli

The official synopsis describes this as a neo-fairy tale. That’s a decent categorization for a film that manages to defy categorization, albeit while feeling, at the same time, like an impassioned ode to a bygone era of filmmaking. An era where the simple art of imagination and a feeling of adventure are your tools rather than CGI, and where grassroots and no frills storytelling bolstered by natural chemistry between your characters is enough to make a meaningful and memorable film on a very small budget

I almost want to suggest that it has an old school Disney classic feel, but it is more like imagining if a Disney classic was allowed to color outside the lines. There’s a definite charm to the kids pervasive cursing, playing without supervision, and minor disdemenears.

There’s a ton of heart too, evoking the once upon a time familiar joys of a childhood spent outside with your friends and nothing but your imagination ro occupy you. This is the way into the magic of its premise, gently wielding the presence of witches and young girls with powers and ancient myths into the stark realism of their escapades. It’s a grand narrative tied to a simple plotline- at the end of the day the kids really just want that egg so they can make that pie.

That dance scene in particular is pure cinematic perfection, and the ending rises to some sweet and charming emotional heights befitting the films practical, grounded, and personable approach. Most of all though, one of the film’s most defintie delights is simply the banter between this cast of kids. The world is their stage, and the privilege here is the opportunity to follow them on their adventures.