Film Name: 81号农场之疯狂的麦咭 / Farm House II
Apart from the translucent watermelon performance in the final three scenes, “Farm House II” is utterly meaningless. Compared to last year’s debut film, there’s little noticeable improvement—it remains as soporific as ever. Frankly speaking, I think this series should just stop making more films.
This is yet another film built on the premise of “presumed guilt without evidence.” The film awkwardly fabricates a conflict between Mai Ji and Xiao Bao, then builds its narrative around this contrived rift. The conflict itself feels utterly insubstantial and contrived, lacking any sense of authenticity. Xiao Bao subjectively harbors resentment toward Mai Ji over the Super Power Treasure issue, launching into a vendetta that even involves attacking Mai Ji with the very treasure—a blatant violation of moral boundaries. This rift feels entirely fabricated by the director—a clumsy, low-level contrivance. If two friends lack even this basic understanding, they shouldn’t be friends at all.
The director oversimplifies the relationship between Xiao Bao and Mai Ji, treating friendship as something disposable that can be casually broken and patched up later. There’s no exploration of the deeper meaning of friendship. Xiaobao’s belief that Maiji didn’t give him the best Super Power Treasure is purely selfish. This self-centeredness strips Xiaobao of any likability. Even if he and Maiji reconcile, his selfishness casts a shadow over their future friendship. Friendship should never be built on one person’s selfishness, for greed is unworthy of true companionship.
The film’s narrative unfolds entirely within a dark atmosphere. Xiao Bao’s initial suspicion of Mai Ji is dark, his actions are dark, and the General’s manipulation of Xiao Bao through deception is equally dark. While the film boasts vibrant visuals, its emotional palette remains utterly devoid of light. These plot elements are deeply unsettling, creating a suffocating sense of discomfort—almost a twisted sense of enjoyment derived from perversion. If children’s animation consistently adopts such storytelling, it truly risks extinguishing life’s brightest hues.
In truth, Xiao Bao’s Super Power does carry symbolic weight. What appears to be the most useless ability proves irreplaceable in the critical moment. It not only accomplishes the ultimate task of repairing the moon but also mends the rift in friendship. Unfortunately, the film fails to delve deeply into this poignant theme.
In contrast, the closing skit with the three watermelons feels reminiscent of the squirrel cameos in Ice Age. It stands independently while intersecting with the main narrative—humorous, tightly paced, and perfectly concise.
PS: I hope Hippo Animation focuses on refining all-ages films like Super Star Li Duoduo, Green Forest Adventure 2, and Water Planet. Preschool-targeted content seems ill-suited for Hippo at present.
Please specify：Anime Phone Cases » Farm House II 2014 Animation Film Review: Selfish desires are unworthy of friendship.