By Ian Kane
NR | 1h 34m | Adventure, Animation, Family | 2024
Animation’s reach has never been wider, and audiences have never been more eager for variety. Affordable animation tools and tons of new distribution channels have given indie animators the chance to tell stories that feel personal and handcrafted. These projects offer a welcome contrast to the polished but questionable (and often degenerate) output of major studios.
The result is a growing wave of films that carry fresh voices, new perspectives, and inventive takes on familiar material.
“Mina” belongs to this growing indie movement. It draws on the comfort of the fairy-tale tradition while pushing it in directions that feel positive, lively, and just a little unexpected.
The princess, the danger, and the would-be rescuer are all present, but the story unfolds with a playful sense of invention. The filmmakers seem to be enjoying the genre rather than simply working through a checklist of expected outcomes.
Mina (Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld) favors Ronan (Dan Edwards), in “Mina.” GJW+
The storytelling works because it keeps things fun and is light on its feet. The plot moves forward without getting tangled in excess detail, and the characters are given room to grow within the space of the 94-minute running time.
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As a whole, the film invites the audience to settle in and enjoy the journey rather than overthink it. That clarity, paired with a handful of clever touches, gives this movie a satisfying rhythm that feels true to its storybook roots.
“Mina” may not be revolutionary, but it is thoughtful and confident. It shows that there is still value in classic tales when they are told with care and a spark of imagination. For an indie-animated feature, this is a genuine accomplishment. “Mina” should earn a spot on the watchlist of anyone curious about what smaller studios are doing with the medium.
Princess Problems
Princess Mina (voiced by Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld) isn’t your typical damsel. She’s got a plan for her life and very little patience for anyone trying to tell her whom she should marry.
But Mina has a soft spot for Ronan (Dan Edwards), the kingdom’s resident architect and proud bookworm. Kazebor (Pete Zarustica), the kingdom’s most eccentric sorcerer, decides that Mina would make a fine addition to his collection of petrified princesses. Kazebor orchestrates the kidnapping of his newest conquest, and soon Mina is spirited away. The whole kingdom is thrown into panic.
Mina (Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld, L) and Nahina (Vanessa Johansson), in “Mina.” GJW+
The disappearance launches a rather unusual rescue mission. Three would-be suitors—Rogdai (Matt Giroveanu), Kabir (Anthony Sardinha), and Fa Chan (Brian Kim McCormick)—all leap at the chance to play hero. Rogdai struts around like the hot-tempered bully he is, Kabir is all charm and social climbing, and Fa Chan mostly wants to see if the villain’s castle has a buffet.
Not to be left behind, Ronan swaps his drafting tools and books for a quest map and bow, and reluctantly sets out to prove that brains can win the day.
Back in Kazebor’s lair, Mina is as disruptive to the wizard’s plans as possible. By the time the rescue party arrives, things have gone sideways in all the best ways, setting up a finale that mixes magic mishaps, comic chaos, and just enough adventure to feel satisfying.
Indie Magic at Work
Off to rescue the princess are (L–R) Bjorn the talking bear (Jon St. John), Ronan (Dan Edwards), and Fa Chan (Brian Kim McCormick), in “Mina.” GJW+
What I appreciated most about “Mina” is that it doesn’t leap straight into sword-swinging and fireballs every time a problem pops up. Ronan is the rare fairy-tale suitor who prefers thinking instead of lashing out. He solves riddles, outmaneuvers giant snakes, and even talks his way past adversaries with some quick wit and a little bluffing.
That said, the film isn’t allergic to action. When things really go off the rails, Ronan does throw down, and those moments land harder because we’ve seen him try every clever solution first. Watching him transform from bookish architect to reluctant man of action is one of the movie’s biggest joys, because he seems almost as surprised as we are.
The animation keeps everything colorful and the voice cast makes the characters feel alive. Rosenfeld gives Mina a lively charm, Edwards nails Ronan’s bookish determination, and Zarusticahas a field day as Kazebor, leaning into the wizard’s mix of menace and mischief without tipping him into pure parody.
“Mina” is that rare family film that encourages kids to use their heads, but still rewards them with enough swashbuckling to keep things exciting. It’s funny, warm, and surprisingly clever.
“Mina” is available on GJW+
‘Mina’ Director: Alex Tsitsilin Starring: Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld, Dan Edwards, Pete Zarustika Not Rated Running Time: 1 hour, 34 minutes Release Date: Oct. 24, 2024 (UK) Rated: 4 stars out of 5
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