Mune: Guardian of the Moon
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animation, Film |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Headquarters | France/Canada |
| Products | Computer-animated fantasy adventure film |
Mune: Guardian of the Moon (original French title: Mune, le gardien de la lune) is a 2014 computer-animated fantasy adventure film produced through a French-Canadian collaboration. Directed by Benoît Philippon and Alexandre Heboyan, with a screenplay by Philippon and Jérôme Fansten, the movie features voice performances by Michael Gregorio, Omar Sy, and Izïa Higelin. The story centers on the Moon’s guardian as he embarks on a mission to retrieve the stolen Sun. The film debuted at Forum des images on December 6, 2014, followed by its theatrical release in France on October 14, 2015.
Budgeted at $17 million, the film garnered $14.5 million worldwide. It received nominations for the Cristal Award at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival and for composer Bruno Coulais at the World Soundtrack Award. Among its accolades are the Young People's Jury Award from TIFF Kids International Film Festival and Best Film honors at the Tokyo Anime Awards.
Plot
On a diminutive planet inhabited by creatures composed of natural elements, the original Guardians introduced a small Sun and Moon to maintain balance, traveling atop enormous temple-like beasts. Although day and night dwellers differ greatly, they coexist in harmony. Yet Necross, a fallen Guardian of the Sun who previously attempted to seize the Sun but was defeated by the warrior Xolal and exiled to the Underworld, waits for an opportunity to cast the world into eternal darkness.
Apprentices Sohone and Leeyoon prepare to take over from Xolal and Yule as Guardians of the Sun and Moon. During their ceremony, while Sohone is accepted by the Sun as anticipated, the lunar Ewe unexpectedly selects Mune, a novice Faun boy, instead of Leeyoon.
Upon learning of Xolal’s retirement through his imp servant Mox, Necross acts swiftly to steal the Sun once more. Before passing away—Xolal turning into a statue and Yule transforming into a luminous tree—they train their successors. That night, Necross unleashes Pale Snakes to corrupt Leeyoon and sow discord between Sohone and Mune. Struggling to master control over the Temple of the Moon, Mune faces difficulties as Necross dispatches Mox and Spleen to capture the Sun, plunging the world into darkness and resulting in Mune’s exile.
Mune teams up with Sohone on a journey to reclaim the lost Sun, accompanied by Glim, a girl made of wax. In the Great Blue Hole—a lake descending into the planet’s depths—they encounter Phospho, a former Guardian of the Moon who abandoned his duties after failing to stop Necross. Phospho directs them toward the Underworld entrance before departing.
Meanwhile, Leeyoon assumes Mune’s role in managing the Temple of the Moon but proves unable to control it effectively. As the Moon wanes, its Temple collapses into the Underworld where Mune, Sohone, and Glim find themselves. While Sohone ventures deeper underground to recover the Sun, Mune and Glim care for the Moon. Discovering that he can soothe the Temple with his abilities inspires Phospho, who has been observing them. Acknowledging defeat, Leeyoon admits that control over the Moon is lost; subsequently, Mune and Glim enter the Moon Quarry—revealed by Yule before her death—to forge a new moon. Their relationship strengthens as Leeyoon offers an apology and recognizes Mune as the rightful Guardian of the Moon.
With their mission accomplished, Mune and Glim reunite with Sohone in the World of Darkness where Pale Snakes encircle him. Phospho sacrifices himself to protect Sohone and eradicate the Snakes. The group confronts Necross and his Imps; Glim locates and revives the Sun but melts in doing so. As Necross threatens them once more, combining their powers of Sun and Moon empowers Mune and Sohone. Utilizing his Dream abilities, Mune defeats Necross by lulling him into sleep before destroying a Pale Snake manipulating him. This act restores Necross’s original form and transforms him into a statue while turning the Underworld into a paradise.
In conclusion, the Guardians restore proper orbits for both celestial bodies along with their Temples. Harnessing their combined strength, Mune revives Glim permanently stabilizing her regardless of temperature changes. The pair share a kiss before setting off on a journey across the world aboard the Temple of the Moon.
Voice cast
| Character | French voice actor | English dub actor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 edition | 2017 edition | ||
| Mune | Michaël Grégorio | Joshua J. Ballard | |
| Glim | Izïa Higelin | Nicole Provost | |
| Sohone | Omar Sy | Trevor Devall | Rob Lowe |
| Leeyoon | Féodor Atkine | Michael Dobson | Christian Slater |
| Necross | Eric Herson-Macarel | Davey Grant | |
| Mox | Michel Mella | Sam Vincent | Patton Oswalt |
| Spleen | Fabrice Josso | Brian Drummond | Ed Helms |
| Phospho | Patrick Poivey | Davey Grant | Jeff Dunham |
| Xolal | Jean Claude Donda | Michael Dobson | |
| Yule | Benoît Allemane | Paul Dobson | |
| Glim's Father | Patrick Prejean | Jonathan Love | |
| Mune's Father | Damien Boisseau | ||
| Krrrack | Patrice Dozier | Rob Shields | |
| Zucchini | Emmanuel Curtil | Trevor Devall | |
| The Snakes | Paolo Domingo | Paul Dobson | |
| The Spiders | Alexandre Heboyan | ||
Production
The movie began as Benoît Philippon’s idea for a live-action short film inspired by the style of Terry Gilliam, centered on a forest inhabitant who captures the Moon. Finding the short format restrictive, Philippon expanded the concept into a full-length feature set in a unique world connected to both the Sun and Moon. Character visuals were crafted by Nicolas Marlet with artistic direction by Aurelian Prédal, resulting in hybrid creations blending human traits, animals, and materials: Mune, a timid creature of the woods symbolizing night; Sohone, an amber figure representing the Sun with a daring spirit; and Glim, a delicate wax figure embodying vulnerability and bravery. The antagonists—Necross, Mox, and Spleen—are volcanic entities designed to showcase dynamic lava and soot effects. The screenplay, co-developed by Philippon and Jerome Fansten, underwent several revisions during storyboarding, introducing features such as mobile temples. At its heart, the story is a pursuit of the Sun portrayed as a metaphorical "Holy Grail." The film strives to be accessible to a wide audience while maintaining originality and poetic world-building. Its primary technique is CGI animation, supplemented by 2D sequences for dreamlike moments and planetary history.
Music and soundtrack
Bruno Coulais composed and arranged the original score for the film; he is also known for his work on Coraline and Song of the Sea. The soundtrack was made available on October 16, 2015, featuring tracks including “Happy” by C2C alongside Derek Martin.
For the Japanese edition, "Rescue Me" performed by Julie serves as the closing theme.
Release
The movie had its French premiere at Forum des images on December 6, 2014, followed by its North American debut at the New York International Children's Film Festival on March 14, 2015. It was also selected for screening at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in 2015.
Distributed in French theaters starting October 14, 2015 by Paramount Pictures, Mune: Guardian of the Moon launched across 457 screenings on 14 Parisian screens, ranking fifth among new releases that day. During its opening week, it drew 128,279 viewers and accumulated a total audience of 524,000 by year-end, placing it within the top 100 French films by attendance in 2015.
To support its release in Japan, a 12-page manga authorized by the director was produced.
In the United States, GKIDS organized a one-day theatrical showing on August 12, 2017 featuring a redub cast including Rob Lowe, Christian Slater, Patton Oswalt, Ed Helms, and Jeff Dunham. The home video edition was subsequently released on September 26, 2017 through Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.
Reception
When Mune: Guardian of the Moon premiered in France in October 2015, it garnered favorable reviews, particularly praised for its visual artistry and imaginative universe. Reviewers commended its poetic uniqueness and innovative artistic vision. Caroline Vié from 20 Minutes lauded its "remarkable visual style" and ongoing creativity. Christopher Narbinne of Première highlighted the film’s "distinctive character designs" alongside its inventive direction. Eric Libiot at L'Express described the movie as "magnificent and touching," underscoring its ambitious animation techniques and universal mythological themes.
Helena Villovith from Elle drew parallels between the film’s poetic essence and renowned works such as Toy Story and Princess Mononoke. While the overall reception was positive, critiques of the screenplay were mixed: some appreciated its romantic and thoughtful narrative with measured pacing; others considered it more fitting for younger viewers or families due to its whimsical characters and narrative turns.
Several critics identified stylistic influences from directors like Luc Besson and Tim Burton, alongside Hayao Miyazaki’s signature approach and Salvador Dalí’s surrealistic elements. Nonetheless, a few reviewers felt the storyline did not entirely live up to the film’s lyrical visuals. Villovith also pointed out the underdeveloped female characters, despite their charm.
Awards
The feature was shortlisted among 27 animated films vying for the Best Animated Feature award at the 89th Academy Awards.
Accolades
| Award / Film Festival | Category | Recipients and nominees | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annecy International Animated Film Festival | Cristal Award for Best Feature Film | ! | Template:Nom |
| TIFF Kids International Film Festival | Young People's Jury Award | ! | Template:Won |
| Stockholm Film Festival Junior | 6-10 ages Best Film Award | ! | Template:Won |
| Tokyo Anime Award | Best Film Award | ! | Template:Won |
| World Soundtrack Award | Soundtrack Composer of the Year | Bruno Coulais | Template:Nom |