The cast of "Earwig and the Witch" includes a talented group of voice actors who bring the characters to life. Directed by Goro Miyazaki, the film is based on a novel by Diana Wynne Jones. The story follows a young girl named Earwig who has been adopted by a witch and must navigate the magical world she finds herself in. The main character, Earwig, is voiced by Taylor Paige Henderson in the English version. With her spunky and determined personality, Henderson captures the essence of Earwig perfectly. Alongside her is Richard E.
A co-production between Studio Ghibli, NHK and NHK Enterprises, the film originally aired on television on December 30, 2020 on NHK General TV, and is scheduled to be released in IMAX theaters by Toho on April 29, 2021.
While the backgrounds are richly rendered the company s affection for the natural world remains intact the character animation is plastic-y and doll-like, more akin to the early years of CGI than modern-day Pixar-level quality. But director Goro Miyazaki keeping the flame of the studio alive after a hiatus triggered by the semi-retirement of his father, Hayao nonetheless brings a very familiar spirit of imagination and colour to this brave new world.
Alongside her is Richard E. Grant, who lends his voice to the role of The Mandrake, the mysterious owner of the house where Earwig ends up. Grant's deep and captivating voice adds an air of intrigue to the character.
Earwig And The Witch Review
An orphan girl known as Earwig (Taylor Paige Henderson) is adopted by a mysterious couple known only as Bella Yaga (Vanessa Marshall) and the Mandrake (Richard E Grant). When Earwig discovers Bella Yaga is a witch, she begins to learn spells with the help of a talking cat (Dan Stevens) — and discover her own magical past.
Published on 07 05 2021 Original Title: Earwig And The WitchLike Bob Dylan going electric, Earwig And The Witch was met with howls of protest from some members of the Studio Ghibli faithful when the first trailer was launched. For many, the venerated institution of hand-crafted 2D Japanese anime crossing the cartoon picket line into the modern age (and the third dimension) with a fully CGI feature film seemed like sacrilege. Surely it would be enough to wipe the grin from Totoro’s giant face?
In truth, Ghibli has been tinkering with computer-generated animation for years: a fully CG-animated TV series came in 2014 (Sanzoku no Musume Rōnya), and the studio has been adding minor CG enhancements to traditional techniques in films as far back as Princess Mononoke in 1997. So, this is perhaps more evolution than revolution. Still, the studio’s first feature film in seven years certainly looks different to anything they’ve ever produced, and the initial effect is undoubtedly jarring. While the backgrounds are richly rendered — the company’s affection for the natural world remains intact — the character animation is plastic-y and doll-like, more akin to the early years of CGI than modern-day Pixar-level quality. If the standard feels slightly made-for-TV, that’s most likely because it was: originally produced for a Japanese channel NHK General TV, before earning a theatrical release.
It's clearly aimed to appeal to kids more than grown-ups, but there is just the right amount of spark to hold everyone’s attention.
But director Goro Miyazaki — keeping the flame of the studio alive after a hiatus triggered by the semi-retirement of his father, Hayao — nonetheless brings a very familiar spirit of imagination and colour to this brave new world. Like many a Ghibli before it (Howl’s Moving Castle, Arietty), it’s an adaptation of a beloved English children’s novel, in this case the Diana Wynne Jones book of the same name; and like those earlier films, it trades heavily on some comforting character types — the precocious child, the aloof spellcaster, the sarcastic talking cat (see also: Kiki’s Delivery Service, Whisper Of The Heart).
The lively story, of an orphan being mentored by a witch while dreaming of her estranged mother, is clearly aimed to appeal to kids more than grown-ups, but there is just the right amount of spark — and enough appearances from that sarcastic talking cat — to hold everyone’s attention. It may not satisfy the purists, but Earwig has enough storytelling charm for it to be recognisably Ghibli.
Another key character is Bella Yaga, the eccentric and unpredictable witch who adopts Earwig. Vanessa Marshall provides the voice for this character, skillfully portraying the whimsical and slightly unhinged nature of Bella Yaga. Additionally, Dan Stevens takes on the role of Thomas, a talking black cat who becomes Earwig's ally and confidant throughout her journey. The supporting cast is filled with talented voice actors who bring depth and humor to their respective characters. These include Kacey Musgraves as the voice of Earwig's friend Custard, Sherina Munaf as Earwig's fellow orphan Melanie, and Alex Cartañá as the voice of Sally. Their performances add charm and personality to the already vibrant world of "Earwig and the Witch." The collaboration between the voice actors and the animation team brings the characters to life in a unique and engaging way. Each voice actor brings their own interpretation and energy to their character, creating a diverse and captivating ensemble. The cast of "Earwig and the Witch" truly shines, making it a must-see film for fans of animated storytelling..
Reviews for "Exploring the Voice Cast: A Look at the Versatility of the Performers in Earwig and the Witch"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Cast of Earwig and the Witch". The animation was lackluster and felt unfinished, with characters looking stiff and unnatural. The storyline was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to follow or become emotionally invested in the characters. Overall, it felt like a rushed and underdeveloped film.
2. Jason - 1 star - "Cast of Earwig and the Witch" was a complete letdown. The characters lacked depth and the dialogue felt forced. The plot was all over the place and the pacing was off, leading to a lack of engagement. The animation style was also not visually appealing and didn't capture my attention. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this film.
3. Samantha - 2 stars - I found "Cast of Earwig and the Witch" to be a tedious watch. The story moved at a slow pace and failed to draw me in. The characters were unlikable and it was difficult to empathize with them. The overall execution felt unpolished and left me wanting more from the film. I would suggest skipping this one and finding another animated film to watch.
4. Michael - 2 stars - "Cast of Earwig and the Witch" was a disappointment from start to finish. The animation was lackluster and the character designs were unappealing. The story felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The film failed to capture my attention and left me feeling underwhelmed. I would recommend passing on this one and checking out other animated films that offer a more engaging experience.
5. Lauren - 1 star - I couldn't get through "Cast of Earwig and the Witch". The animation was subpar and the characters were uninteresting. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, it felt like a waste of time and I regretted watching it. I would not recommend this film to anyone.