Zodiac, The Race Begins- Singapore's first CG animated movie
Never has there been a full length computer animated film created from Singapore until Cubix International, a film company has completed Zodiac, The Race Begins. The voice cast include Fann Wong (played Jackie Chan's sister in Shanghai Knights) and Dennis Chew. Apparently, the film secure sales to over 22 countries after a 10 minute trailer was shown at the Cannes film festival in 2005. Its set to premiere locally on January 26, 2006, just in time for the Chinese New Year. Here is the synopsis taken from here:
The great Buddha gave the eminent Jade Emperor the task of ruling the celestial and mortal worlds. Although the Emperor has made the mortal world a peaceful and tranquil place, which was thriving and prosperous, men still did not have an awareness of time. With the absence of this facility, calamity was certain. To prevent this calamity, the Jade Emperor gave a celestial order.
“Let it be known in the mortal world, that I, the Imperial Jade Emperor, shall appoint 12 animals to ascend to the celestial world. These 12 species of animals shall represent a cycle of 12 years with each animal representing a year. Any humans born in a particular animal’s year shall bear that animal’s mark and his strength. This representation shall be known as the Zodiac.”
But deep in the dark swamps, the thousand year old tree spirit hacks a plan of her own. Determined to thwart the plans of her long time enemy, the Jade Emperor, she sets forth to prevent the success of the Race be impeding the 12 chosen ones.
After looking at the trailer, I must say that the animation looks like crap. Compare to Kung Fu Gecko, another upcoming animated film from Singapore, there is a large difference in quality. For a TV show, it may be passable but for a film, this won't do. I'll give them some props for taking a risk in something new. Perhaps their next project, "The Legend of the Sea" will be an improvement from a visual standpoint.
Official Zodiac: The Race Begins website
Zodiac: The Race Begins trailer (downloadable windows media, please note that the trailer is active on certain time of the day)
