There are some people that may argue that we are living in the dark ages of film, but there is no doubt that we are living in the golden age of film restoration. From the sleaziest of B-horror movies to true art house gems, there has been no shortage of rediscovered and beautifully restored films. Among the gems is an animated Hungarian film called Feherlofia or Son of the White Mare. From 1981, the film feels like a lost relic of the 70s with its psychedelic art and message of industrialization and war’s effects on nature.

A white mare who was once a queen narrowly escapes the clutches of the dragons, that destroyed her kingdom, with her unborn son. When he is born he is told the story of the fallen kingdom and is prophecized to one day become strong enough to defeat the dragons. After 14 years of nursing from his mother, she passes away and so begins the son’s journey to retake the kingdom. Along the way, he joins forces with his long lost brothers and together they search for the passage to the Underworld. Though he may be strong the son will need all the advantages he can gather if he hopes to destroy the evil that broke apart the kingdom and his family.

When we see fantasy stories today it seems as though they are stories of a fantastical world pulled into our reality. Son of the White Mare tells us the legends of its world from its own reality of gorgeous colors and abstract characters. Pulled straight from the psychedelics of the 70s the art of the film comes across as more of a magic trick than art that was created by an animator. The 4K restoration of the film is incredible and makes the film only more vibrant and glorious.

At first glance, this may seem like an experience for the whole family, but you may want to leave the children at home. The opening scene of the white mare escaping the dragons is tense and the dragons overtaking the kingdom is quite scary. Besides scary imagery, the 70s sexuality comes through with erotic structures, sexual references, and some nudity. This film is also a slow burn that tells a story in a traditional sense, the kind that may lose the attention of younger audience members. This film is for the adult audience that can wait through some slow sequences to appreciate the one of a kind art and experience.

In a time happy cartoony animated pictures, there is simply nothing like Son of the White Mare. The film’s art style looks like something the Romans would have animated if they had the technological know-how. This is the kind of film that love it or hate it, is a blessing to be available to the masses. With talks of it having a theatrical run soon, I couldn’t recommend it enough if you are a fan of animation as an art form or just seeing something that is completely unique.

7 out of 10