Metamorphoses (1978)

Summary of Film: Metamorphoses
"Metamorphoses" (likewise known as Winds of Change) is an animated movie that was produced by Hanna-Barbera in 1978. The film is based upon the classical folklore stories of the Roman poet Ovid's titular collection "Metamorphoses". It includes a blend of Greek and Roman mythology, retelling numerous stories such as that of Orpheus and Eurydice, and King Midas.

Plot Overview
The story starts with our main lead character, Wondermaker, a strange and magical being who functions as both a narrator and active participant in the tales. Wondermaker uses his special powers to transport 2 modern teens, an athletic person named Benny and a studious woman called Wilma, back in time to the colorful, mythical worlds of Greek and Roman legends.

Retelling of Classical Mythology
The first encounter for the transferred teens involves King Midas, who is consumed with gold and riches. He receives the classic curse that changes whatever he touches into gold, which ultimately turns his beloved daughter into a gold statue. This tale offers a hidden ethical about the risks of extreme greed.

Following the story of King Midas, the movie then transfers to the legend of Orpheus, a talented artist, and his tragic love with Eurydice. After Eurydice's unforeseen death due to a snake bite, Orpheus endeavors down to the underworld, armed with his charming music to obtain his love from the clutches of death.

Images and Animation
"Metamorphoses" is significant for its pioneering combination of conventional cell animation with computer system created background images, making it among the earliest films to try out such technology. The film also features a special mix of brilliant colors and vibrant backgrounds, presenting aesthetically spectacular adaptations of the legendary tales.

Voice Acting and Music
The voice cast of "Metamorphoses" includes prominent actors such as Peter Ustinov and Mia Farrow, who bring the animated characters to life. The movie likewise includes an exceptional musical arrangement composed by Robert Prince that accompanies the story and enhances the total cinematic experience.

Conclusion
Moving far from the normal happy-ending formula of animation, "Metamorphoses" delves into styles of love, loss and the rage of the gods, showing a certain degree of richness and depth seldom experienced in animated movies of the duration. Being an item of the late 70s, nevertheless, it does incorporate certain elements typical of Hanna-Barbera productions that might come across as dated today.

Despite the lack of industrial success, "Metamorphoses" was critically recognized for its special mix of mythology, state-of-the-art animation technology, and musical positioning. The movie remains a powerful landmark expedition of the ability of animation to reinterpret and represent the past in novel methods.

Throughout the different stories, Benny and Wilma witness the Olympian gods' powers and moral lessons that come along with each story. In the end, they are returned to their own time by Wondermaker, carrying with them the knowledge and lessons learned from their mythical journey.

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