Cast
View AllChristian Gaul
as Kiki (voice)
Tilman Döbler
as Richard (voice)
Nicolette Krebitz
as Olga (voice)
Maud Ackermann
as Aurora (voice)
Schroeder Kacmar
as Baby Richard (voice)
Marco Eßer
as Max (voice)
Erica D. Schroeder
as Aurora (voice)
Marc Thompson
as Kiki (voice)
Marcus Off
as Claudius (voice)
Nico Birnbaum
as Möwe Roberto (voice)
Kristine Knudsen
as Additional voices
Jason Griffith
as Max (voice)
Shannon Conley
as Olga (voice)
Jonathan Todd Ross
as Claudius (voice)
Cooper Kelly Kramer
as Richard (voice)
Crew
Director
- Reza Memari
- Toby Genkel
Writer
- Reza Memari
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Sparrow “Richard” has been brought up by a family of storks firmly believing that he is one of them, just a bit different. When his family plan to migrate, though, they don’t intend on taking him with them and so the poor wee critter awakens one morning to find mum, dad and brother “Max” have set off and left him behind. Desolate, he sets off after them towards Africa. It’s going to be a tough challenge on his own, but luckily he has his scatty friend “Olga/Oleg” - an owl with a pretend friend, and the self-adoring parakeet “Kiki” who thinks he’s really Donna Summer. Their journey is riddled with dangers but also with opportunities to meet new friends and do some self-discovering along the way. Can he catch up with his family though? Well no, this isn’t really very original nor is there an whole heap of jeopardy as the film progresses, but there are still some fun characters and the disco-bird has a few good lines as it builds to a denouement with a fearsome honey badger. It’s a story about not judging a book by it’s cover and though a bit long and maybe just a bit prone to some (negative) male stereotypes, it’s still quite an enjoyable animation that moves along fine.
Feb 24, 2025
Thematic Analysis
A Stork's Journey represents a fascinating example of Animation/Family/Fantasy/Adventure/Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Reza Memari brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of A Stork's Journey took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Stork's Journey shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Piccolo, which focuses more on action than character development, A Stork's Journey offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Mollami and Thorn Castle explore similar territory, A Stork's Journey stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 28, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Revenue: $14,400,000
Where to Watch
