Inspired by the true story of the first giraffe to visit France, Zarafa is a sumptuously animated and stirring adventure, and a throwback to a bygone era of hand-drawn animation and epic storytelling set among sweeping CinemaScope vistas of parched desert, wind-swept mountains and open skies. Under the cover of darkness a small boy, Maki, loosens the shackles that bind him and escapes into the desert night. Pursued by slavers across the moon-lit savannah, Maki meets Zarafa, a baby giraffe – and an orphan, just like him – as well as the nomad Hassan, Prince of the Desert. Hassan takes them to Alexandria for an audience with the Pasha of Egypt, who orders him to deliver the exotic animal as a gift to King Charles of France.
Zarafa (2012) is an animated French film directed by Rémi Bezançon and Jean-Christophe Lie, inspired by the true story of a giraffe named Zarafa who was sent as a gift from the Egyptian ruler to King Charles X of France in the early 19th century. The film is set against a backdrop of historical events, weaving a story of adventure, friendship, and resilience.
The story begins with a young boy named Maki, who is living in Sudan. He befriends Zarafa, a baby giraffe who is captured by slave traders. When Zarafa is sent to France as a royal gift, Maki embarks on a daring journey to rescue her. Along the way, Maki befriends a group of diverse and colorful characters, including a French hot-air balloonist, a cynical camel, and a plucky young girl. Together, they cross deserts, navigate French culture, and form a bond that transcends distance and adversity.
The movie not only tells the tale of Zarafa’s extraordinary journey but also captures the spirit of adventure, the cost of dreams, and the power of compassion. As Maki faces trials and triumphs, the film delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and the quest for freedom.
Analysis
Zarafa stands out for its visually stunning animation, which brings to life the beautiful landscapes and the touching journey of its characters. The film blends adventure with historical drama, offering an insightful look at the colonial world while focusing on a poignant and heartwarming personal journey.
The film explores how history, culture, and nature collide through the unlikely friendship between a boy and a giraffe. The movie does an excellent job of humanizing the giraffe, turning her from a mere exotic animal into a symbol of hope and perseverance.
Maki’s journey symbolizes the fight against exploitation, particularly the way animals were captured and used as political symbols during the colonial era. The plot also critiques the European fascination with the “exotic” while offering a nuanced view of cross-cultural exchanges. The tension between the innocence of Maki and the complexities of the adult world is a key theme that underpins the emotional weight of the story.
On a technical level, Zarafa benefits from its mix of traditional and computer-generated animation, which allows for vibrant, expressive landscapes and vivid character designs. The whimsical and lively colors add to the movie’s fairy-tale-like feel, which is juxtaposed with the more serious, historical context.
Themes
- Friendship Across Cultures: The relationship between Maki and Zarafa transcends cultural and racial boundaries. Their bond shows how friendship can develop even under the most unlikely of circumstances, highlighting the universal nature of love and connection.
- Colonialism and Exploitation: The film subtly critiques the exploitation of both people and animals during the colonial period, emphasizing the moral costs of such practices. Zarafa’s captivity, her journey as a “gift,” and the treatment of the giraffe mirror the complex dynamics of the time.
- The Power of Hope and Determination: Maki’s journey is fueled by his hope and determination to save Zarafa, underscoring the theme of persistence in the face of adversity. The film shows that even when the odds are stacked against you, hope can propel you forward.
- Freedom and Captivity: Zarafa’s physical journey to France symbolizes the larger struggle for freedom. The theme of captivity and escape is mirrored in Maki’s fight against oppressive systems and his efforts to free Zarafa.
- Adventure and Growth: The film focuses on Maki’s transformation as he embarks on his adventure. His personal growth, from a naive boy to someone who understands the world’s complexities, is a key theme that is explored throughout the film.
- Sacrifice and Loyalty: Maki’s willingness to sacrifice everything for Zarafa highlights the theme of loyalty. His selflessness and commitment to his animal companion represent the deep bond that can exist between human and animal.
- Exoticism and Curiosity: The fascination with the exotic, especially in Europe’s historical relationship with Africa, is explored. The giraffe, as a symbol of the exotic, is not just a simple animal but becomes a symbol of Africa and its people, who were often misunderstood or treated as curiosities during the colonial era.
- Identity and Belonging: Maki’s journey also involves the search for his own identity. As he moves through different landscapes and cultures, he learns about his place in the world and the role of the people he meets.
- Compassion for Animals: The relationship between Maki and Zarafa highlights the tenderness and respect that can exist between humans and animals. The movie emphasizes the importance of treating animals with kindness and dignity, moving away from the exploitation of the past.
- Adventure as a Metaphor for Life’s Challenges: The physical journey in Zarafa mirrors the emotional and personal challenges one faces in life. As Maki and Zarafa face obstacles, they learn valuable life lessons, which reflect the importance of resilience, patience, and growth.
10 Reasons to Watch Zarafa (2012)
- Heartwarming Story of Friendship: The central theme of Maki’s bond with Zarafa is a beautiful, universal story about the power of friendship and loyalty across different cultures.
- Historical Context with a Unique Twist: The film cleverly explores colonial history through a child’s perspective, offering a fresh take on the historical events surrounding Africa and Europe in the 19th century.
- Visually Stunning Animation: The traditional animation style combined with CGI offers beautiful, hand-drawn landscapes, giving the film a whimsical yet emotionally resonant aesthetic.
- Universal Themes: Despite its historical setting, the themes of freedom, loyalty, and hope are timeless and resonate with audiences of all ages.
- Engaging and Action-Packed: Zarafa offers a thrilling adventure filled with action, chase scenes, and moments of suspense, making it an exciting watch for families and animated film lovers.
- Educational Value: The film provides insight into 19th-century European colonial history, offering a way to discuss these topics with younger audiences in an accessible way.
- Complex and Thoughtful Characters: The characters, especially Maki and Zarafa, are layered with depth and development. The relationships are emotional, showcasing personal growth and sacrifice.
- Beautiful Musical Score: The soundtrack of Zarafa complements the animation’s visual richness, creating an immersive experience that enhances the emotional depth of the film.
- Cross-Cultural Appeal: The film’s exploration of different cultures and perspectives makes it a great film for anyone interested in global cinema and cross-cultural storytelling.
- Family-Friendly Yet Emotionally Deep: Though the film is suitable for all ages, its themes and emotional moments add complexity that can be appreciated by adult audiences as well.
What You Will Feel After Watching Zarafa (2012)
After watching Zarafa, you will likely feel a deep sense of empathy and admiration for the main characters, particularly Maki and Zarafa, whose relationship grows from mutual need to a powerful, life-changing bond. The film’s mix of adventure, history, and personal growth ensures that viewers are left with a sense of wonder and reflection. While the film’s narrative is built around the simple quest of a boy trying to save his friend, it also presents a powerful message about loyalty, freedom, and the importance of understanding and compassion in the face of adversity. You will likely feel uplifted by the heartwarming story and inspired by the courage and determination of the characters.
In conclusion, Zarafa is a beautifully crafted animated film that not only tells an entertaining and adventurous story but also raises important questions about history, culture, and the relationships between humans and animals. Its captivating visuals and thoughtful themes make it a must-watch for both children and adults alike.
