One of the first questions that should be considered when discussing a film is its intended audience. While there is no singular, objective way to examine all movies across various genres and mediums, a story that manages to reach its target audience at an essential level can be considered a success. In the case of the animated film Heroes of the Golden Masks, directed by Sean O’Reilly, created by Xiaoming Yao, and distributed by Gravitas Ventures, children in the elementary school age range are probably going to connect with it more than most. It is designed to deliver simple, straightforward messages about life and growing up to young viewers with impressionable minds. And on that front, Heroes of the Golden Masks hits the mark where it should.
The story for O’Reilly’s film actually takes inspiration from an archaeological find in southwest China in 1986 – the bronze masks of the Sanxingdui culture. The protagonist in the story is Charlie (Kiefer O’Reilly), a homeless teenager pickpocket hustling for a living on the streets of Chicago who suddenly finds himself transported to the ancient Sanxingdui kingdom. He’s now thrust into a fantastical adventure that tests his courage and integrity. It is a classic fish-out-of-water narrative that also looks at the challenges of living up to the legacies of those who came before and carrying on the honor of one’s family.
The voice cast in Heroes of the Golden Masks deserves to be noted as well. In addition to Emmy-winner Patton Oswalt and two-time Emmy-nominee Ron Perlman, legendary performer and Oscar-winning talent Christopher Plummer also has a voice role, in his final screen credit.
Looking to the central character of Charlie specifically, he is a kid who has already faced his fair share of adversity at a young age. Due to his detrimental surrounding environment and a lack of positive mentorship in his life, he has learned some unfavorable qualities and often responds to conflict in an unhealthy fashion. But, his character arc is one that illustrates the importance of finding strength in community and taking responsibility for your shortcomings. There is always the potential to learn something beneficial from the people that cross your path in life, if only we are receptive, empathetic, and take time to develop an awareness of the situation. Granted, Heroes of the Golden Masks explores these concepts at a surface level, but most audience members are not coming to this movie for deep thematic nuance. Kids will understand it, and that’s primarily the goal in this regard.
Heroes of the Golden Masks will be available on digital platforms on June 9.
Thomas Manning is a member of the NCFCA and SEFCA, and also the co-host of the television show and radio program Meet Me at the Movies. He also serves as Senior Interviewer for Elements of Madness. He has worked as a production assistant and voting member on the Film Selection Committee for the Real to Reel Film Festival. Additionally, he manages his own film review and interview site, The Run-Down on Movies.
Manning is a graduate of Gardner-Webb University with a double-major in Communications and English. His passion for cinema and storytelling is rivaled only by his love for the music of Taylor Swift.
When he isn’t watching or talking about movies, you can usually find Manning drinking a ridiculous amount of coffee, going on spontaneous road trips, and running dozens of miles as he searches for the meaning of life.