Backdrop preview Forest Warrior backdrop
Forest Warrior

Forest Warrior (1996)

Nov 05, 1996 1h 33m Action Family

John McKenna is a spiritual being who is able to transform into bear, wolf or eagle. He lives in the forests of Tanglewood and has dedicated his life to protect them. One day a gang of evil lumberjacks led by Travis Thorne arrive Tanglewood to chop the forest down. McKenna cannot let this happen, and together with his new friends - Lords of the Tanglewood, a band of children who love to play in the forest - he battles against Thorne and his evil gang.

Directed by Aaron Norris

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Aaron Norris
Writer
  • Galen Thompson
  • Ron Swanson

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action/Family film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Forest Warrior distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Aaron Norris 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 1996, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Forest Warrior took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 120 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The musical score contains over 56 unique compositions.
  • The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1996, when this film was released:
  • Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
  • The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Forest Warrior shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Shrek, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Forest Warrior subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Shrek 2 and Aladdin explore similar territory, Forest Warrior 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: November 5, 1996
  • Runtime: 1h 33m

Similar Movies

Shrek
Shrek
2001
7.8
Shrek 2
Shrek 2
2004
7.3
Aladdin
Aladdin
1992
7.7
Willow
Willow
1988
7.0