Series Review: ‘The Guardians – The Chosen Ones’ – The Start of Something Bigger.

It is impressive to see how the animation scene has grown over the years in Ghana. This growth is evident not only in the increasing patronage by cinema enthusiasts but also in the quality of work that studios such as Mills Media have consistently delivered.

Last night’s premiere of their latest release, ‘The Guardians – The Chosen Ones‘, at the Silverbird Cinemas, Accra Mall, was a testament to this evolution. The premiere treated fans of animation to the first three episodes of the series, which has the potential to evolve into a successful franchise. But this franchise would have to ride on the back of this inclusive 3D animated series that follows four ordinary school friends chosen by the gods to become superheroes. These young heroes are charged to protect their city and tackle universal issues such as crime and climate change, serving as symbols of hope for their community.

The opening episode introduces us to Kofi, Afi, Umar, and Naa, four friends whose adventure begins when they decide to visit the Arts Centre after school. A strange occurrence at the Centre leads them to a mysterious stone that gifts them with the powers of the Guardians, a generational group chosen by the gods to protect the earth. Under the guidance of Mr. Agyemang, the last living protector of the stone, the group of friends learn to harness their new abilities just in time to perform their first heroic act. They called into action to save a mother and her child who were trapped in a vehicle which is hanging dangerously over a bridge. The subsequent episodes continue to showcase the Guardians rising to protect citizens from dangerous situations.

While the premise might seem all too familiar, creator Jesse Sunkwa Mills puts a unique spin on it, infusing the story with an authenticity that resonates closely with Ghanaian folklore.

From a visual perspective, the 3D modelling and worldbuilding are remarkable, capturing several iconic locations and monuments from Accra. This attention to detail not only grounds the series in a realistic setting but also pays homage to the city. Complementing the visuals is the sound design, which captures the vibrant sounds of Accra, adding to the immersive experience of the series.

The voice actors Delove August, Akosua Asieduaa, William Lamptey, and Ama Ampofoa delivered performances that were well above average. Beyond just delivering lines, they infused the characters with wit and humour, making the dialogue feel natural and engaging. Their efforts shone particularly during the grunts and pants of the action sequences, which were choreographed and sequenced impressively for an animated production. The sequences were much to the delight of the audience who applauded and cheered along accordingly.

As the series aims to convey Ghanaian cultural values and traditions, I am only hoping that subsequent episodes will delve deeper into these elements in subtle but impactful ways. I believe it is important that the series finds some grounding in the cultural values of Ghanaian people and not just hinge on the use of names and adinkra symbols.

Each episode screened at the premiere averaged about 19 minutes, offering just enough to keep the audience wanting more. I believe that’s more than enough runtime to consciously imbue each episode with something either informative or educative, particularly for the younger viewers it is targeting.

In all, ‘The Guardians (The Chosen Ones)‘ is a commendable effort by Mills Media and the creatives behind it. It has the potential to captivate not only Ghana’s youth but also adults with an interest in animation. The series is entertaining and, in many ways, showcases the untapped potential of a market that Ghanaian creatives are only beginning to explore. It truly is the start of something bigger.

I am certainly looking forward to seeing the rest of the series and hope that many others feel the same way too. I would rate this animation series 4 out of 5 stars. The team behind it are undoubtedly onto something significant, and I hope they receive the support needed to continue leaping over the hurdles.

For now, you too can catch ‘The Guardians (The Chosen Ones), as it is still showing at the Silverbird Cinemas, Accra.