Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir - Der Film (Ladybug & Cat Noir: Awakening, Miraculous - Le film)
France 2023

Opening 6 Jul 2023

Directed by: Jeremy Zag
Writing credits: Bettina Lopez Mendoza, Jeremy Zag
Principal actors: Annouck Hautbois, Benjamin Bollen, Antoine Tomé, Fanny Bloc, Jeanne Chartier

Teenager Marinette lives in Paris near Notre Dame Cathedral with her parents Tom and Sabine, who run a bakery. She is trying to settle into a new high school, where she makes friends, but is mobbed by Chloé. She has a crush on blond Adrien. By chance, on the way to school, Marinette rescues an old man about to be run over in the street. His gratitude comes in the form of a “miraculous” jewel, which, 30 minutes into the film, magically turns her into Ladybug. Shortly afterwards Adrien becomes Cat Noir, also with the aid of a miraculous jewel. He teases Ladybug, calling her a “watermelon,” but eventually falls in love with her; he has no knowledge of her original identity. Under the motto “Who saves a life saves the world,” they join forces and set off to combat horrible dangers. Adrien’s father, Gabriel Agreste, makes millions in fashion design. He wishes to bring his deceased wife Emily back to life, also with the aid of a miraculous jewel, which changes him into dangerous Hawk Moth, who creates many of the worst catastrophes, totally unaware that his adversary is his son.

Here we have parallel stories: Marinette who loves Adrien and their second identities: Cat Noir, who loves Ladybug. These two have been well received since 2015 on five TV and Netflix series. Now we have the film made for cinema. All takes place in Paris, which is represented by the most wonderful animation—drawings of all parts of the city, including, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Naturally, there is lots of action, also contributed by more teenagers and two bank robbers. This action is regularly interrupted by approximately 10 songs, almost all composed by the film’s director Jeremy Zag. My colleague Amber, age 11, who is well acquainted with the TV series, especially appreciated the animation. She gives the film five stars. Much fun for the whole family six years and older. (Becky Tan)