Funan Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Funan Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 5, 2020

Denis Do makes his directorial debut with “Funan,” an animated picture about the innocent lives caught up in the Khmer Rouge revolution during the 1970s. Do doesn’t play it safe for his first offering as a helmer, delivering a profoundly unsettling study of survival and anguish during a time of absolute horror, using animation as a way to provide a distinct understanding of emotion, yet he still respects the scale of atrocities going on.

“Funan” doesn’t supply a journalistic understanding of countrywide events, going intimate with the tale of a family fighting for safety and sanity as separations mount, creating a sense of desperation that carries on for years. Do has the central tale of a mother losing her son to a chaotic situation, but “Funan” is mostly about the people she encounters along the way, discovering the ruthlessness of the time and the unexpected humanity of those caught in a dire situation.

Funan Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.38:1 aspect ratio) presentation protects much of the visual might of "Funan," which is imagined with equal offerings of brightness and darkness. Detail reaches as far as permitted, capturing the animated artistry, which extends to beautiful backgrounds in the midst of a nightmarish situation. Colors are distinct, finding greenery vivid and clothing varied, with direct primaries. Delineation is communicative. Some mild banding is detected.

Funan Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix is offered in French and English, with both presentations similar in scope. Atmospherics are active, with defined changes in locations and group activity, creating a few circular moments of engagement. Dialogue exchanges are sharp and true, capturing nuanced emotionality and breathless panic. Scoring is crisp, with clear instrumentation, from gentle flutes to more sweeping strings. Low-end deals well with percussion, adding weight.

Funan Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Introduction (2:16, HD) features co-writer/director Denis Do, who shares background information on the making of "Funan," including the use of his mother's story to inform the script, the choice of animation to tell the story, and the production's creative intent.

• "Q&A at Animation is Film" (31:14, HD) is a conversation with Do and producer Sebastien Onomo.

• Interview (15:21, HD) with Do delves into his personal story and ties to the Khmer Rouge revolution, learning about the experience from his mother, who inspired the screenplay. The creative process is examined, along with Do's mission to remain authentic to the experience while adding his own dramatics, creating a picture that's emotionally engaging and educational.

• Storyboards (9:28) supply a split-screen analysis of design and completed animation.

• Gallery (5:06) collects concept art, character designs, and work-in-progress images.

• And the U.S. Trailer (1:35, HD), U.S. Teaser Trailer (:45, HD), and International Trailer (2:29, HD) are included.

Funan Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Funan" is not easy to watch. It's violent and incredibly sad, but Do creates distinct characters and preserves realism, providing a window to a time and place destroyed by violence. It's harrowing, but always accomplished.