A vibrant, ’90s-inspired celebration of Filipino folklore and friendship. Our JP gives his take on “Forgotten Island” featuring the voices of H.E.R. and Liza Soberano.
Forgotten Island (Universal Pictures)
- Directed by Joel Crawford, Januel Mercado
- Written by Joel Crawford, Januel Mercado
- Produced by Mark Swift
- Starring H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, Kevin McCann, Lea Salonga
Studio Synopsis:
Your best friendship is worth fighting for.
DreamWorks Animation, the studio that brought you unforgettable bonds between a boy and a dragon in “How to Train Your Dragon,” an ogre and a donkey in “Shrek,” and a robot and a gosling in “The Wild Robot,” now welcomes a dazzling and emotional story about two lifelong best friends who must come together before they drift apart in “Forgotten Island.” While celebrating their last night together, Jo and Raissa stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to the fantastical island of Nakali, packed with magical and mythological creatures they grew up hearing stories about from their Filipino families.
Some of these figures will become friends, some foes. Joined by well-meaning-but- hapless weredog Raww (Dave Franco) and a small-but-mighty pack of pals, Jo and Raissa must face The Dreaded Manananggal (Tony winning icon Lea Salonga), the most feared creature on the island. When they discover that the memories of their entire friendship are the price for returning home, Jo and Raissa will race to find a way to leave the island before they forget each other forever.
J.P.’s Take:
In its 31 years of production, DreamWorks has produced 54+ films and over 60 TV series featuring eclectic storytelling and a diverse range of characters, and it continues this streak with the wondrous “Forgotten Island.”
This isn’t some run-of-the-mill tale about friendship; it’s a wildly vivid adventure that explores the depths of what it means to be a true friend. It’s the kind of animation that offers a unique perspective from the Filipino community, rich in cultural artifacts, and sentiments.
From the trailers, you get the sense that “Forgotten Island” is a colorful, brightly lit, and zany journey. The characters are the first thing that catches viewers’ attention, with their dynamic, sprightly personalities and anime-inspired expressions; yet, the story draws you in further to a matter of the heart.
We meet Jo (voiced by Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, aka H.E.R.), a lively and artistically creative soul with a spirited approach to life, and her newfound friend Raissa (voiced by Liza Soberano), a brilliant young girl with a more sheltered background who yearns for something beyond her current situation. Both are sent to the principal’s office, where they make an almost instant connection, though the moment never feels contrived.
The story highlights their contrasting temperaments as their journey toward a lasting friendship is tested — especially when Raissa’s acceptance to Caltech in America leaves Jo feeling increasingly isolated in the Philippines. Having grown up side by side and shared countless memories, Jo finds this revelation devastating. A key subplot centers on the theme of memory, which plays a crucial role in their connection. As the two young women enjoy their time at the beach, they reflect on the enchanting tales told by Jo’s beloved grandmother, Lola Fatima Yuson (voiced by Dolly De Leon), who speaks of the mythical hidden island of Nakali that she insists she once explored. Just as Raissa spends her final days with Jo before leaving for the U.S., the true magic begins.
What transpires is a vibrantly colorful, ’90s-inspired fantasy that draws heavily on anime rooted in Filipino mythology, a style that isn’t as prominent in the States as Japanese or Korean media. The visuals burst with a kaleidoscope of playful designs and bold patterns that define that era, while the fast-paced comedy keeps up with even the most energetic viewers. Characters are depicted with exaggerated features and expressive movements that enhance the whimsical nature of the story, while the overall world-building captures the vivid imagination of Grandma Lola’s tales, adding a distinct Filipino essence to the adventure.
Joining in the fun is a star-studded cast of Filipino and non-Filipino performers, including Dave Franco as Raww, a well-meaning weredog; Manny Jacinto as Bungi, a baby demon known as a Tiyanak; Jenny Slate as Batiba, a tree-dwelling imp who specializes in harvesting memories; Lea Salonga as Manang, a feared Manananggal; and Jo Koy as Datu, chief of the Kapre. They are joined by Ronny Chieng as Truffle Wuffle, the adorable mushroom king of the Duwende, and Kevin McCann as Mermahn, Prince of the Kataw and Jewel of the Sea. Additionally, Eugene Cordero, Harvey Guillén, Wagner Moura, and Katseye’s Sophia Laforteza make voice cameos throughout the film.
“Forgotten Island” is a vivacious blend of fresh folkloric ideas and pop culture familiarities, where you can feel the echoes of beloved memories while discovering something new and vibrant that celebrates Filipino culture. This combination makes the experience not just enjoyable but deeply engaging, while it invites you to reminisce and explore the unique flavors that make it stand out.
This is one of the few animated features I’m willing to sit through again.
Official Site: Forgotten Island
