Film Name: 你看起来好像很好吃 / Omae Umasou da na / You Are Umasou、Heart and Yummie / おまえうまそうだな
The film tells the story of a herbivorous dinosaur mother who finds a carnivorous dinosaur egg and raises it to adulthood; while the grown carnivorous dinosaur later finds a herbivorous dinosaur egg and, through a series of twists and turns, ends up becoming its father.
Undoubtedly, the food chain is a natural law, and one that the film adheres to. Yet like many animated films, rules exist to be broken—and in this case, it is familial bonds that shatter the food chain’s logic. Driven by love, the herbivore mother disregards the carnivore Hart’s identity, even leaving her herd to raise him. Hart, too, finds himself caring deeply for the young herbivore Umasou (meaning “delicious”), who regards him as father.
The herbivorous dinosaurs in the film are rendered in warm tones, while the carnivores appear in cool hues. This visual contrast visually emphasizes the carnivores’ dominant status and inherent coldness. Yet, it is precisely this cool exterior that serves as a stark foil to Hart’s fiery heart.
One of the film’s most compelling scenes occurs when Hart first encounters Umasou. Though initially intent on devouring him, Hart is moved to spare him after being called “Dad.” When Umasou stands atop Hart’s head, the director employs a Top-down shot with an unusual perspective effect. The stark disparity in power and status between Hart and Umasou is laid bare, yet simultaneously, the beautiful coexistence born of familial affection between the two is vividly showcased.
This is somewhat reminiscent of the relationship between the mammoth and the little boy in the first “Ice Age” movie. Except that in the Japanese anime “You Are Umasou, Heart and Yummie,” the tiny herbivorous dinosaurs are made even more kawaii (cute). From its appearance, voice, expressions, to its movements—this all-encompassing, thorough cuteness is one of Japanese animation’s great contributions to the world. Umasou is born with a chibi-style appearance, complete with a little ball on its tail; its voice is utterly adorable; even when sleeping, it can’t help but make affectionate expressions; and while grazing, it leaves a long trail of droppings across the grassland. All these elements contribute to Umasou’s charm. The profound emotional joy this cuteness brings to audiences far surpasses the fleeting gimmicks and humorous dialogue found in American animation.
One of the film’s most touching scenes is when Umasou decides to race his father to prevent Hart from leaving. Its innocence and the persistence born from that innocence evoke an irresistible wave of emotion in every viewer. As it pants heavily, struggling forward on its four stubby legs, you might even find yourself tearing up. The depth of familial love lies not in flowery rhetoric, but in action. Umasou proves its devotion through unwavering determination, touching not only Hart but every viewer. Later, when Hart risks his life to save his herbivorous dinosaur mother, he echoes this same value of action.
The film’s ultimate challenges are twofold: the natural disaster of a volcanic eruption and the Tyrannosaurus rex, known as the “King of the Plains.” One represents Hart’s rite of passage against the laws of nature, while the other symbolizes his own maturation as the apex predator at the top of the food chain. Though Hart cannot alter the natural disaster, as he tells his mother, he can choose his own path.
Herbivores may be physically weak, yet they can be mentally strong. Carnivores may be physically strong, yet they can be mentally weak. This film reflects such a dialectical relationship. Of course, to become king of the savannah, Hart must become strong in both body and mind. He succeeded.
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