Title: L’Ape Maia (Maia The Bee)
Director: Alexs Stadermann
Genre: Animation
Country: Germany
Those who were kids in Europe, from the 70s onwards, will remember the jingle of the cartoon that had as protagonist a young and adventurous female bee.
The insect which became popular amongst young audiences, through the book series written by Waldermar Bonsels, won’t be surprised to see that Maia, the Bee, has now flown from the small screen to the big screen.
‘L’Ape Maia’ is an ode to friendship, freedom and courage. Just as in the cartoon series the feisty young bee has spirit, and her curiosity and desire for adventure clash with the disciplined rules within the beehive.
The story is set in the background of the ancient conflict between bees and hornets. Maia attempts to be a good bee despite her nature triggers her to discover the world. A great antagonist to her inclination will be the Queen Bee’s evil councillor, who plans to take over the hive and become Queen. Naturally, Maia (with a little help from her group of friends) will save the day.
The story is very linear, for a range of very young children. There is no trait or subtext we haven’t already devoured in other educational animation flicks. Whereas the dignified computer graphics serve the purpose, but have nothing of exceptional. Maia embodies a fairly good role model, certainly for her ethics. Her excessive zeal may at times get on your nerves but it’s refreshing to see an unconventional rebellious heroine, who nevertheless sticks to her set of moral values, rather than being presented with the customary Miss Smarty Pants. Maia’s special trait is to remind the younger ones on the importance of leaving the nest (or beehive in this case) to achieve proper emancipation.
Technical: C+
Story: C+
Overall: C+
Written by: Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi
