This darkly beautiful terror animation is really inspired by old stories and magic worlds . Some time ago , unicorns roamed the planet. They were free, until a slimy monstrosity engulfed most of them. Currently, Azulín and Gordi, two motherless bears, are indoctrinated into a premature army in order to wage a war against the unicorns , which ended at a mysterious world , the psychedelic terrors of the Magic Forest. Then the war-hungry teddy bears journey from bootcamp to the woods in order to liberate the magical forest . A forest where some evil unicorns remain, of which, as the prophecy says, whoever drinks the blood of the last unicorn will become eternal and beautiful . Something that Azulín wants at all costs. A wish that will lead to a war against unicorns. A decisive war: 'Unicorn wars'.

This wonderful film is plenty of fantasy , adventures , drama, spectacular combats and with enjoyable messages . This magnificent cartoon movie concerns ancient legends and magic worlds . The picture is narrated with sensibility and sense of wonder and quite entertaining , though isn't apt for small kids but contains graphic violence , blood , gore and guts . In this riveting and marvelous cartoon movie there's a deep critical against bloody wars and the encroaching civilization. 'Unicorn wars', by Alberto Vázquez, is an animated film that is sometimes fun , visually tender and narratively raw . A crudeness that , in our times, we have become accustomed to, since what is good, what is beautiful and what is adorable, even if it is bad, is well received. This is a very rare and offbeat movie with a traditional as well as naif animation. It is a sui-generis film with plenty of fantasy , adventure , ecological message and disturbing , at times . The film is really influenced by the Japanese Anime and especially by the fantastic atmosphere created in ¨Mononoke princess¨ (1997) directed by the genius Hayao Miyazaki and others as ¨Chihiro¨ or ¨My neighbour Tororo¨ Director Alberto Vázquez gives his most notable contribution, that sometimes has Catholic overtones , it is a new , surprising mythology , as he creates an amazing world and giving his critical view of it . An adult film , that's why it's more adequate a rating PG : Parents Guide than a children film , due to contain graphic violence , horror moments , bloody attacks , strong fights , and some creepy scenes . A decent film based on an interesting script by director Alberto Vazquez himself . Adding a thrilling musical score and colorful cinematography accompanying appropiately the story's development .

The motion picture was original and competently written/directed by Alberto Vazquez who formerly directed Psiconautas, los niños olvidados (2015) made in similar style . This bizarre and outlandish cartoon movie Unicorn Wars won deservedly a large number of Awards and nominations, such as : CinEuphoria Awards 2023 Winner CinEuphoria Best Animated Film International Competition : Alberto Vázquez , Best Director Iberian Competition , Nominee CinEuphoria Best Film - International Competition Chelo Loureiro , Iván Miñambres , Alberto Vázquez , Best Animated Character - International Competition For the character "Azulin" , Best Animated Character -International For the haracter "Gordi". Días de Cine Awards 2023 Winner : Best Animated Feature Film Alberto Vázquez. Feroz Awards, ES 2023 Nominee Feroz Arrebato Award Fiction Alberto Vázquez . Goya Awards 2023 Nominee Goya Best Animated Film : Chelo Loureiro , Iván Miñambres , Nicolas Schmerkin and Best Original Song Joseba Beristain "Batalla"

It's not often when you see a film that you just weren't prepared for.

This one is certainly one. It's strange that it's initial vibe was closer to a black comedy. Then it decided to be serious with its ideas and almost get philosophical. It also seemed to take pleasure in its gruesome violence which may put off some viewers It was strange at first. But I think them being fully on board with this creation shifted the tone in an effective way.

I did have an inkling as to how it would end and it managed to do exactly what I thought. That's always comforting as it certainly makes me feel like that I'm on the directors wavelength.

Throughout the film, I was seeing influences of Princess Mononoke, Full Metal Jacket, Bambi and 300. Those are the type of combinations that shouldn't even really be thought about and yet here we are.

I think what made it work for me the most was the mix of animation styles used. The colour palette is also very vibrant to the point where it's almost like you're in a fever dream. But I did notice the constant use of purple in every scene.

The whole thing ended up being weirdly captivating. The number of animation styles on show was great to see, the commitment to its ideas was much appreciated and it's themes of the horror of war, our ignorance with nature and competitive siblings were well presented.

I certainly won't be forgetting this one anytime soon.

Some years ago, I had the chance of seeing an interesting short named "Unicorn Blood", which contrasted a cutesy artwork with pastel colors with a dark, cruel story of hatred and revenge between two teddy bear brothers, with eerie unicorns as their enemies.

Alberto Vazquez, director of said short, revisits the same basic premise in this movie, albeit from a more ambitious perspective.

Despite the adorable aesthetic filled with bright colors, cute animals and a couple of humorous moments at the beginning of the film (mostly due the somewhat campy behavior of the bears) the movie quickly turns into a dark, twisted anti-war tale where innocence ends stomped, with no happy endings in sight.

Very excessive, bizarre, and frankly uneven at moments, but never boring, "Unicorn Wars" is a rather fascinating spectacle from beginning to end, despite the constant cruelty of the plot.

The final act of the movie is the most impressive and intense one, a shame it felt somewhat rushed compared with the rest of the film.

Still, a very interesting animation, disregard of the seemingly gimmicky premise. I mean, anubody can put adorable characters in dark and edgy situations, but few would be able to develop it into something with much more to offer than just mere shock value, as Alberto Vazquez does.

Definately worth-watching.