Moomins on the Riviera

Prepare to be charmed: a new Moomin movie is to be released this month, and will no doubt cause a stir amongst lovers of the original. The hand-drawn animation, which celebrates the original 1945 Moomins comic strip by Tove Jansson, Swedish novelist and artist, revives the universal appeal of the Moomins – for an entirely new generation. 

1945 Moomins Comic Strip

The new children's film about the lovable family of funny-looking creatures was conceived by producer and director Hanna Hemilä and Xavier Picard, animation film producer, and is based on Moomin, the complete Tove Jansson Comic Strip, Tove and Lars Jansson original script. It follows the Moomin family as they set sail for the sophistication of the Riviera, with a series of adventures ensuing ranging from Snorkmaiden's romantic encounter with a dapper gent, and Moomin's inevitable jealousy. 

Satire meets family entertainment

The reduced colour scale of the hand-drawn film and the Vaudeville piano soundtrack that accompanies the animation gives the new animated film an antiquarian elegance, which faithfully channels the original film and brings a charming sense of authenticity to a modern audience. Encompassing remnants of the satire that was at play in the original strip – first aimed at an adult audience in the forties – this is a look at the pretentions of high-society under a charming backdrop of the Moomins' gorgeous animation. 

Nostalgic animation

Ideal, then, for both children and families, Moomins on the Riviera looks to be the best film in cinemas now for all ages, and will no doubt draw many parents to the cinema wishing to share a bit of their childhood rapture with their own families. The film's international feel and universal themes will no doubt appeal to a cross-cultural audience, as it draws on narratives of family, optimism, and delight in the smaller things in life. We think The Moomins will no doubt become an instant classic.