Colonial Pawns
- Tagline
- In the game of empires, everyone is expendable.
- Description
- Set against the grand tapestry of the Colonial Era, 'Colonial Pawns' follows the intertwining fates of an undercover spy, Julienne Fries-Andrews, and a determined rebel leader, Dianne Yeast. As they navigate a world rife with prejudice and injustice, they discover that freedom is not granted, it is seized. Under the direction of Hayao Meowazaki, whose storytelling is both stark and compelling, this tale of espionage and revolution unfolds, featuring Frank Langoustinella's character, whose loyalties blur the lines between friend and foe. In this utopian society veneered by peace, the true cost of liberty comes to light, questioning if the utopia is worth the price of silence and obedience. 'Colonial Pawns' is a thought-provoking action drama that holds a mirror to the guise of civilization, making viewers reflect on the unseen struggles that define our past.
- MpaaRating
- G
- PopularityScore
- 2.80
- ReleaseDate
- 06/09/2022
- Genre
- Action
- Director(s)
- Cast
Critic Reviews
3.50
Hayao Meowazaki's 'Colonial Pawns' touts an ambitious premise, but collapses like a house of cards under the weight of its own pretensions. The tagline promises a high-stakes game of empires, yet delivers nothing more than a checkers match played with chess pieces. Julienne Fries-Andrews and Dianne Yeast are more like caricatures than characters, with Fries-Andrews' undercover exploits feeling as seasoned as a bland potato. Meowazaki, whose name suggests a creative kinship with a certain storytelling maestro, does not meet the high expectations set for him; his narrative is as convoluted as a cat's cradle. Frank Langoustinella's performance provides a sliver of redemption—his conflicted loyalties offer a momentary glimpse into what could have been a tapestry of complex human emotion. Nonetheless, the overall execution is as misguided as its astonishingly generous 'G' rating. In the end, 'Colonial Pawns' hardly inspires the provocative reflection it aims for; instead, it leaves us musing about the unfulfilled promise of what could have been a cinematic checkmate.