The Legend of Ochi

In a remote village, young Yuri is raised by her father to fear the mysterious forest creatures known as the Ochi, reclusive primate-like beings that the villagers hunt. When Yuri discovers a wounded baby Ochi left behind by its pack, her curiosity overrides her fear, and she decides to help the cute creature recover.

As Yuri tends to the baby Ochi’s wounds, she discovers she can communicate with it through its unique language of high-pitched sounds, forming a unique friendship that shifts her perspective on what she’s been taught. Determined to reunite the creature with its family, Yuri embarks on a perilous journey through the forest while being pursued by her father, who believes Yuri needs rescuing, and his hunting party, who are determined to capture or kill any Ochi they encounter.

Featuring impressive puppetry rather than CGI to bring the fantastical creatures to life, The Legend of Ochi offers unique visuals while exploring themes of courage, friendship, and looking beyond inherited fears as Yuri’s connection with the Ochi becomes a bridge that helps heal the fractured relationships within her own family. Though somewhat reminiscent of How to Train Your Dragon in these regards, the film is a bit darker in tone; while rated PG, some scary imagery may be too intense for very young viewers.

Runtime: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Rated PG
OSV News classification: A-II
IMDb Parents Guide
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