Yamasong: March of the Hollows (2017)
Directed by Sam Koji Hale · 2017 · Abigail Breslin, Nathan Fillion, Freida Pinto, Peter Weller, Malcolm McDowell
Directed by Sam Koji Hale in 2017, Yamasong: March of the Hollows is an animated fantasy adventure that follows an automated girl and a tortoise warrior as they join a band of outlaws on a perilous quest to find a legendary relic. Their mission: to stop a sinister mechanized army threatening the very existence of their world. The film blends hand-crafted animation with a mythic tone, evoking the tactile, otherworldly aesthetics of classic fantasy tales while grounding its stakes in the vulnerability of its characters. Abigail Breslin, Nathan Fillion, and Freida Pinto lend their voices to the central trio, while veteran actors Peter Weller, Malcolm McDowell, Whoopi Goldberg, Ed Asner, George Takei, and Bruce Davison populate the world with gravitas and texture. The tone is earnest yet whimsical, balancing moments of quiet wonder with the urgency of a dying world. Its visual style leans into organic, sculpted designs rather than sleek CGI, giving it a distinctive, artisanal feel that recalls stop-motion traditions. This film suits audiences who appreciate slow-burn fantasy with emotional depth — viewers drawn to stories where hope is fragile, and heroism is found in unlikely alliances. It does not rely on spectacle alone, but on the quiet resolve of its characters navigating a world in decay.
Why it’s worth watching
Yamasong: March of the Hollows stands out for its richly textured animation and a voice cast of legendary performers, including Abigail Breslin, Nathan Fillion, and Whoopi Goldberg. Directed by Sam Koji Hale, the film offers a rare blend of intimate character-driven storytelling and epic fantasy stakes, all within a compact 95-minute runtime. Its hand-crafted aesthetic and grounded tone provide a refreshing alternative to mainstream animated blockbusters, appealing to fans of thoughtful, visually distinctive fantasy. The film’s emotional core — a quest for salvation against overwhelming odds — resonates without resorting to clichés, making it a quietly powerful experience.
Trivia
- Directed by Sam Koji Hale
- Released in 2017
- Runtime: 95 minutes
- Voice cast includes Abigail Breslin, Nathan Fillion, Freida Pinto, Peter Weller, Malcolm McDowell, Whoopi Goldberg, Ed Asner, George Takei, and Bruce Davison
- Genres: Animation, Fantasy, Adventure