{"id":13465,"date":"2025-04-18T10:00:28","date_gmt":"2025-04-18T17:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=13465"},"modified":"2025-12-11T16:48:22","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T23:48:22","slug":"the-legend-of-ochi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2025\/the-legend-of-ochi\/","title":{"rendered":"The Legend of Ochi * An Emotional, Yet Inspiring Film, Filled With Suspense, Talented Acting And Beautiful Cinematography"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-13470\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.poster.2.jpg?resize=120%2C188&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"120\" height=\"188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.poster.2.jpg?resize=192%2C300&amp;ssl=1 192w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.poster.2.jpg?w=400&amp;ssl=1 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 120px) 100vw, 120px\" \/>In a remote village on the island of Carpathia, a shy farm girl named Yuri is raised to fear an elusive animal species known as ochi. But when Yuri discovers a wounded baby ochi has been left behind, she escapes on a quest to bring him home.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, \u201cI really like <em>The Legend of Ochi<\/em>. It is an emotional, yet inspiring film. At the same time, it is also suspenseful, and creates a slight feeling of discomfort. I enjoy each of these different aspects, because they all help to build up the interesting storyline, and bring you into the world on the island of Carpathia.\u201d IvyJoy C. adds, \u201cI absolutely love <em>The Legend of Ochi. <\/em>Unlike movies that I usually like, this is not primarily CGI and special effects. The writer\/director, Isaiah Saxon, uses creative and talented acting, cinematography, music and puppetry to create this beautiful film.\u201d Avalynn G. wraps it up with, \u201cThis movie starts off a little slow, but once I started to understand it, I loved it! The settings for this film are very beautiful, especially the home of the ochi. I love the relationship between Yuri and the baby ochi.\u201d See their full reviews below.<\/p>\n<p>The Legend of Ochi<br \/>\nMikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 18<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oWBx-9ht4FQ?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13479 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.a.jpg?resize=220%2C124&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"124\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.a.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.a.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.a.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.a.jpg?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 220px) 100vw, 220px\" \/>I really like <em>The Legend of Ochi<\/em>. It is an emotional, yet inspiring film. At the same time, it is also suspenseful, and creates a slight feeling of discomfort. I enjoy each of these different aspects, because they all help to build up the interesting storyline, and bring you into the world on the island of Carpathia.<\/p>\n<p>This storyline is about a young girl named Yuri (Helena Zengel) who lives on a remote island in the middle of the Black Sea. The island is filled with native animals called ochis. Her father, Maxim (Willem Dafoe) has always taught her to fear these animals, as they are a threat to humankind. However, Yuri has a special place in her heart for animals, and her desire to help a lost ochi takes her on a wild adventure, uncovering a world of secrets that she never knew about.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-13475\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.i.jpg?resize=222%2C133&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"222\" height=\"133\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.i.jpg?resize=300%2C180&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.i.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 222px) 100vw, 222px\" \/>Something that I really enjoy about this film is the cinematography. Director Isaiah Saxon has a unique style that helps to bring out the cold, uncomfortable feeling that this film exudes. There are many moments of stillness and closeups \u2013 many scenes where the camera zooms in very close on Yuri\u2019s face. This helps the audience to really feel her loneliness and sadness. It is clear that she is undergoing something from the very beginning, and this camera work helps us to understand that, even without dialogue.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the animatronics are outstanding. All of the ochis feel so real. They look incredibly realistic, and their interactions with the humans are so interesting to watch \u2013 especially all of the communication between the baby ochi and Yuri. They are all so special and it&#8217;s amazing how such a deep connection is established, even between an animatronic and a person. The ochi feels so human-like, and has such clear emotions and feelings. The noises and sounds they make are beautiful, and the overall qualities of the ochi are highly impressive.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-13472 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.l.jpg?resize=224%2C149&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.l.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.l.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224px\" \/>Lastly, the message of this movie is extremely powerful. It teaches us to not assume the worst in animals, and that violence is not the answer. This film also highlights how people&#8217;s opinions are able to change over time. This is a huge aspect of today&#8217;s society. With so much constant change, and things always evolving, it&#8217;s often hard to shift the mindset of those who are set in their ways and traditions. This movie breaks that stigma, and shows us how strong the power of family and love is. The ending is particularly compelling and really moved me. I had full body chills the entire time.<\/p>\n<p>The message of <em>The Legend of Ochi<\/em> is that love will always be the most powerful form of connection. Violence is never the answer and won\u2019t bring people together.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>The Legend of Ochi<\/em> 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 12 to 18, plus adults. <em>The Legend of Ochi<\/em> releases in select theaters April 18, 2025, and everywhere on April 25, 2025.<\/p>\n<p>The Legend of Ochi<br \/>\nBy IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/S9Nzecpt6i0?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13468 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.d.jpg?resize=223%2C134&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"223\" height=\"134\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.d.jpg?resize=300%2C180&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.d.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 223px) 100vw, 223px\" \/>I absolutely love <em>The Legend of Ochi. <\/em>Unlike movies that I usually like, this is not primarily CGI and special effects. The writer\/director, Isaiah Saxon, uses creative and talented acting, cinematography, music and puppetry to create this beautiful film. Everything artistically comes together in an amazing experience.<\/p>\n<p>This storyline is about a withdrawn and lonely girl named Yuri (Helena Zengel) who lives with her father, Maxim (Willem Defoe) and adopted brother, Petro (Finn Wolfhard). Yuri\u2019s village is plagued by the seemingly ferocious, yet undeniably adorable ochi. Yuri rescues and befriends an injured baby ochi (Paul Manalatos). Yuri\u2019s village and her father have taught her to fear the ochi. Despite this, Yuri sets off to return the ochi to its family. Her courageous yet dangerous decision brings change and unity for all.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-13466\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.b.jpg?resize=222%2C133&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"222\" height=\"133\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.b.jpg?resize=300%2C180&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.b.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 222px) 100vw, 222px\" \/>Willem Defoe plays a much older Peter Pan like character. Dressed in rather silly armor, he leads his band of lost boys on a misguided crusade to get rid of the ochi. Helena Zengel and Emily Watson show a complex mother\/daughter relationship. Robert Tygner and the other puppeteers make the baby ochi so adorable. The adult ochi realistically show expressions. This casts\u2019 performances are complex, heartwarming and, at times, comical. The ochi communicate their emotions through what Yuri\u2019s mother, Dasha (actor), called an inborn melody.<\/p>\n<p>The soundtrack, composed by David Longstreth, communicates in the same way. It brings a beautifully consistent melody that expresses the essence of each scene throughout the film.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13477 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.g.jpg?resize=222%2C133&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"222\" height=\"133\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.g.jpg?resize=300%2C180&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.g.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 222px) 100vw, 222px\" \/>Filmed in Romania, the director of photography (Evan Prosofski) brings the beautiful mountains, roads and lakes to life. My favorite part is when Yuri reunites with her parents. The enduring love of a father, the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter, and the strength of family deeply touched me.<\/p>\n<p>The film\u2019s message is that sometimes you must have the courage to challenge beliefs. It reminds us to look beyond the surface to gain understanding. It also teaches us that fear can sometimes keep us from having great experiences.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>The Legend of Ochi <\/em>5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.\u00a0 It releases in theaters on April 25, 2025.<\/p>\n<p>The Legend of Ochi<br \/>\nBy Avalynn G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_UEGFhH3fpQ?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-13473 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.k.jpg?resize=227%2C151&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"227\" height=\"151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.k.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.k.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 227px) 100vw, 227px\" \/>The film <em>The Legend of Ochi <\/em>is a family adventure film with many unexpected events. I love the visuals in the film. This movie was filmed in very beautiful locations and the settings are perfect for the story.<\/p>\n<p>The storyline follows a young girl named Yuri who finds a small creature called an ochi after she runs away from home. Her whole life, Yuri has been told how scary and harmful the ochi are, so when she finds one, the creature has to gain her trust. The ochi and Yuri go on an adventure to reunite it with its family and, in the end; Yuri gets reunited with her family too.<\/p>\n<p>This movie starts off a little slow, but once I started to understand it, I loved it! The settings for this film are very beautiful, especially the home of the ochi. I love the relationship between Yuri and the baby ochi. When they are separated they always end up finding each other and they always have each other&#8217;s back.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-13469\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.e.jpg?resize=223%2C134&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"223\" height=\"134\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.e.jpg?resize=300%2C180&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ochi.e.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 223px) 100vw, 223px\" \/>I love how the movie shows that it is important to have a connection with your family. This movie also shows another culture and a different part of the world which is very interesting. My favorite part of this film is when Yuri finds out she can speak the ochi\u2019s language. The ochi and Yuri are both surprised and have a bonding moment when they discover that they can speak the same language. It really sets the tone for the rest of the film, especially at the end when all the ochi\u2019s communicate with her and the baby ochi.<\/p>\n<p>The film\u2019s message is about family and the importance of connection with everyone, even those who seem different or misunderstood. This film does have some adult language, but other than that it was great!<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>The Legend of Ochi <\/em>4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film releases in theaters April 18, 2025.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a remote village on the island of Carpathia, a shy farm girl named Yuri is raised to fear an elusive animal species known as ochi. But when Yuri discovers a wounded baby ochi has been left behind, she escapes on a quest to bring him home.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, \u201cI really like The Legend of Ochi. It is an emotional, yet inspiring film. At the same time, it is also suspenseful, and creates a slight feeling of discomfort. I enjoy each of these different aspects, because they all help to build up the interesting storyline, and bring you into the world on the island of Carpathia.\u201d IvyJoy C. adds, \u201cI absolutely love The Legend of Ochi. Unlike movies that I usually like, this is not primarily CGI and special effects. The writer\/director, Isaiah Saxon, uses creative and talented acting, cinematography, music and puppetry to create this beautiful film.\u201d Avalynn G. wraps it up with, \u201cThis movie starts off a little slow, but once I started to understand it, I loved it! The settings for this film are very beautiful, especially the home of the ochi. I love the relationship between Yuri and the baby ochi.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4949,15],"tags":[5154,8979,8971,8977,1783,8976,8972,1668,680,8969,4476,8974,8970,8973,551,1166,8980,817,8975,8968,8978,73,8981],"class_list":["post-13465","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film","category-feature-film-reviews","tag-a24","tag-a24-films","tag-a24-movies","tag-andrei-anghel","tag-by-kids-for-kids","tag-carol-bars","tag-emily-watson","tag-film","tag-finn-wolfhard","tag-helena-zengel","tag-independent-films","tag-isaiah-saxon","tag-legend-of-ochi","tag-movie-recommendations","tag-movie-review","tag-movie-reviews","tag-new-a24-films","tag-new-movies","tag-razvan-stoica","tag-the-legend-of-ochi","tag-the-legend-of-ochi-a24","tag-willem-dafoe","tag-willem-dafoe-movies"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-3vb","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13465","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13465"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13465\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13504,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13465\/revisions\/13504"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13465"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}