Calamity, une enfance de Martha Jane Cannary is a French animated movie released in 2020. The movie is directed by Rémi Chayé, who is known for his work on the critically acclaimed animation film, Long Way North. The film tells the story of Martha Jane Cannary, a young girl who would later become a well-known figure in the American Wild West as the legendary Calamity Jane.
The movie begins with a young Martha Jane, who goes by Mattie, traveling from her home in Missouri to Montana with her family. The journey is long and difficult, and Martha Jane's father constantly reprimands her for her behavior. However, Martha Jane's spirit is irrepressible, and she refuses to conform to her father's expectations of what a proper young lady should be.
Throughout the film, Martha Jane's rebellious and adventurous personality is fully realized. She defies the gender norms of her time, insisting on wearing boy's clothes and creating makeshift weapons out of household items. She takes on the responsibilities of taking care of her siblings when her mother falls ill and demonstrates her resourcefulness and strength when faced with challenges.
Martha Jane's journey is filled with many trials and tribulations. She is forced to leave her family and is taken in by a widow who runs a boarding house. There, she meets Jean, a young boy who shares her adventurous spirit, and together they explore the Montana wilderness. As they journey deeper into the wilderness, they come across a group of Native Americans, who teach Martha Jane the ways of survival and the bond between man and nature.
As Martha Jane grows older, she faces new challenges, but her spirit remains as indomitable as ever. The filmmakers have depicted her character with great sensitivity, exploring her struggles with poverty, sexism, and the harsh realities of life in the West. The film is also noteworthy for its portrayal of the Native American characters, who are not reduced to caricatures but are presented as complex and fully realized individuals.
Calamity, une enfance de Martha Jane Cannary is a beautiful animated movie that is a must-see for anyone who loves adventure and historical dramas. The animation style is unique, combining hand-drawn animation with computer-generated graphics, and the attention to detail in recreating the setting of the American West is impressive. The film's soundtrack, composed by Florencia Di Concilio, is hauntingly beautiful and complements the visuals perfectly.
The vocal performances by the cast are also noteworthy, particularly Alexandra Lamy and Alexis Tomassian, who lend their voices to Martha Jane and Jean, respectively. They bring a great deal of nuance and depth to their characters, making them feel real and relatable.
Overall, Calamity, une enfance de Martha Jane Cannary is a beautifully realized animated film that showcases the strength and resilience of its female protagonist. It is a coming-of-age story that is both heartfelt and inspiring, offering a fresh take on a familiar historical figure. Fans of adventurous tales, historical dramas, and animation will not be disappointed with this film.