Short Animation Review: Hope (2020)

         Hi friends! 💗 Welcome back to my mini blog. How are you? Hope you’re doing well! This time, I want to share with you short animation named Hope.

         Before diving into the short film “Hope” (2020), I discovered that it was created by Abdulla Al-Janahi in collaboration with GreenTree Production and Lumine Studio. Realizing that it blends art with an environmental cause made me curious to see how a simple turtle’s journey could reflect our own responsibility toward nature.

        While watching “Hope” (2020), I was struck by both the beauty of the ocean setting and the fragility of the baby turtle’s journey. But, the sorrowful side is when i saw a baby turtle struggling. I felt the weight of its fight. The scene where Aqua was tried to help other turtle trapped in plastic made me ache inside, as if the ocean’s sadness reached me too. It was more than animation, it was a quiet reminder of how fragile life becomes in our careless world.

1. Theme / Massage

        The main theme of Hope (2020) is about holding on to hope and finding the courage to survive against all odds. As Aqua, the baby turtle, makes its way to the sea, it must overcome countless obstacles, from predators to plastic waste, a reflection of human carelessness. The moment when Aqua tries to free another turtle trapped in plastic reveals just how fragile life is in a polluted ocean. Yet within that sadness lies the deeper meaning of “hope”, that as long as hope exists, there is strength to endure, to rise, and to spark change for a better world.

2. Narrative Structure

Beginning

        The film begins on a quiet beach where dozens of turtle eggs crack open under the soft light of dawn. Among the tiny hatchlings is Aqua, the little turtle who will guide us through the story. From the very first moment, we see their urgent mission: to cross the sandy shore and reach the safety of the ocean.

Conflict

        Conflict began to arise when Aqua tried to reach the ocean. What should have been a simple journey turned into one full of obstacles. As he crawled towards the coast, he faced various threats. Along the way, Aqua saw plastic waste and snack wrappers scattered about, blocking his path and posing a danger to himself and other turtles. Not to mention, a bird of prey appeared from the sky, ready to swoop down at any moment. The threats from human waste and natural predators made Aqua's journey even more difficult.

Climax

        The tension peaked when the predatory bird almost succeeded in preying on him. In those terrifying seconds, Aqua glanced at the vast blue sky, as if calling him to keep fighting. The sky looked so beautiful, contrasting with the danger that threatened his life. When the bird finally dropped him back to the shore, Aqua's fear slowly turned into determination. For Aqua, the sea was not just a destination, but a symbol of hope and a new life that he had to achieve despite the dangers.

Resolution (ending)

        Aqua managed to survive against predatory birds and reached the ocean. However, as he was about to swim across the ocean, he found another turtle entangled in plastic waste on the coast and tried to help it. Unfortunately, fate had other plans, and the turtle could not be saved. This scene conveys the message that not everyone can survive in the face of obstacles, Aqua managed to overcome the obstacle thanks to his hope. In the end, Aqua continued with his original goal of reach the safety of the ocean.

3. Character Development

        At first, Aqua was depicted as small, fragile, and struggling to keep up with the other baby turtles. The journey to the sea felt so difficult, filled with predators and human waste blocking his path. Aqua almost gave in to fear, but each obstacle awakened his hope. In the end, Aqua found the courage to survive, even showing compassion by trying to help another turtle entangled in plastic. This growth reflects the central message of Hope: that even the weakest can find strength, and in the midst of danger, hope becomes the light guiding the way to life.

4. Visual Style & Cinematography

        In Hope (2020), the animation depicts the coastline, the ocean, and the waves. Small details such as plastic wrappers scattered on the sand and Aqua's small fin movements symbolise how difficult it is for him, but also highlight his determination. The sparkling blue colour of the sea is depicted as a light of hope, contrasting with the darkness of the threat of predators and human pollution. The camera zooms in on Aqua's eyes, showing both fear and growing courage. Meanwhile, the wide angle of the shot makes Aqua appear so small, as if the world is too big for him. However, as Aqua gets closer to the sea, the perspective begins to shift, and the ocean becomes a symbol of hope and survival.

5. Sound & Music

        This 2020 short film has no dialogue, so emotions are conveyed through the sound of waves, the rustling of sand, and background music. The sound of sand rubbing and waves crashing emphasises the difficult journey Aqua must endure. The sound of plastic bottles bobbing in the water is jarring, creating a sense of discomfort while emphasising the threat of human pollution. The music becomes soft and hopeful as Aqua approaches the ocean, as if voicing his small courage. These small details draw us, the audience, into Aqua's struggle and sadness. 

6. Dialogue & Language

        Although Hope (2020) has no verbal dialogue, the film is rich in a ‘language’ that speaks to its audience. The intonation of natural sounds: the sound of waves, the rustling of sand, and the clinking of plastic create an emotional atmosphere. The squeaking sound of plastic being dragged by the waves is disturbing, as if emphasising the real threat to marine life. Expressions & gestures: Aqua's small, slow movements show vulnerability, while his gaze at the sea implies both fear and awe. His body movements as he struggles to save another turtle from the plastic entanglement are a meaningful ‘silent scream’.

7. Audience Connection

        The short film Hope (2020) is very suitable for children, as the animation used is so appealing that it is easy for young audiences to understand. However, the message it conveys is not limited to children alone. Through the story of Aqua, a small turtle trying to reach the ocean, this film conveys an emotional experience that can be felt by all audiences about fear, threats, and the struggle to survive.

        Hope (2020) creates tension through Aqua's struggle against predators and plastic waste, yet beneath this lies a deeply inspiring message. The story reminds us that every challenge in life, no matter how small we feel it is, can always be faced with courage. The value that is highlighted is hope, that ‘in the midst of darkness and threats, there is always a small light that can be a reason to keep going.’

        In my opinion, this film teaches us to be brave in facing problems, even if they seem difficult and frightening. Just as Aqua keeps moving forward despite the obstacles, we are encouraged to believe that courage and hope can guide us towards a way out. Thus, Hope not only succeeds in presenting a visually stunning spectacle, but also a heartfelt reminder.

All images are sourced from: https://youtu.be/1P3ZgLOy-w8?feature=shared