Today, we're happy to bring you an exclusive clip from the upcoming animated release of Big Fish & Begonia. If you're a fan of animation, you'll want to check out this production from B&T, with animation work from Studio Mir, because the Chinese production's quality and storytelling is on par with Studio Ghibli and Disney itself. One of the best-received animated releases ever in China, the film went on to earn over $85 million at the box office in the summer of 2016. Now, we're lucky enough to get a chance to watch it here in the States when Shout! Studios and Funimation Films begin its North American theatrical rollout starting April 6th with a limited release. The PG-13-rated film will be presented both with an English dub as well as in its original Mandarin with English subtitles.

Twelve years in the making, Big Fish & Begonia is a visually stunning cinematic adventure that captures the unique aesthetics, mystique, and rich cultural traditions of ancient China. Directed by Xuan Liang and Chun Zhang, the film entwines new storytelling, mythical legends, and lyrical characters from beloved Chinese literary classics. It's a stunning story, beautifully told, and it's unlike anything you've seen on the big screen in recent memory. However, much like the clip we're about to share with you, having a bit of a background in Chinese mythology helps to heighten the enjoyment of the story, so be sure to check back in for our review closer to its release!

In the following clip, the otherworldly denizen of the dark known as the Rat Matron helps our heroes Chun and Qiu recover their missing friend, Kun, a very special creature whose true nature is at the heart of this story. Check out our exclusive clip from Big Fish & Begonia below:

 

Here's the official synopsis for Big Fish & Begonia:

From ancient Chinese legends comes a beautiful tale of love and sacrifice.

 

There is a mystical race of beings that control the tide and the changing of the seasons. But one of these beings, a young girl named Chun, wants to experience the human world, not simply observe it. When she turns sixteen, Chun is allowed to transform into a dolphin and explore the human world. However, she soon learns this world is a dangerous place.  Chun is nearly killed in a vortex, but saved by a human boy at the cost of his own life. Moved by his kindness and courage, she decides to give the boy life again, but this power comes at a price. Chun will have to face adventure and sacrifice in order to protect the boy’s soul until it is ready to return to the human world.