Ancient Fable in Zodiac: The Race Begins

The Legend behind the Ancient Chinese Zodiac in Zodiac: The Race

In Chinese zodiac, 12 animals become symbols, namely: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. 12 animals represent unique characters of human beings. Each animal has its own year. The rat takes the 1st year of every 12 years. According to the legend, rat won the 1st position in the race to heaven. Why did rat become the 1st winner instead of the dragon, who was invincible?

Zodiac: The Race Begins Begins (Sheng Xiao Chuan Qi), a 3D animated film, produced by Singapore’s Cubix Pictures tells the story about 12 animals, which become symbols of zodiac (Shio). It is the 1st 3D animation, made in Singapore.

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Along years ago, human beings were no aware of time. The Jade Emperor in haven gave a celestial order to select 12 animals as representatives of a cycle of 12 years with each animal representing a year to help human beings. The representation is known as the Zodiac (Shio).He announced that the 1st animal, which reached the heaven, would become King of Zodiac. To set 12 years cycle order, 12 animals had to compete in the race to heaven.

However, the dark force set forth to prevent the success of the Race by impeding the 12 chosen ones.

Even if this animation is not really vivid, the characterization of 12 animals in this film is strong. The rat, who was smart, rode the ox, which was strong and honest. The dragon, who was helpful, did not become the 1st winner because he preferred to help the others. He had power but he did the mistake when showing his force to make rain to the snake. He felt responsible for the floods. The pig was lazy but she followed her friends when they started the journey. The monkey was busy with himself. During the race, heaven sent the crane to remind the 12 animals to continue the race. The rat deserved to be the 1st winner because he focused on the goal and used his smartness to achieve the goal.

The story of the film also includes the moral teaching of friendship and helping the others. In the race, the 12 animals did not go to the heaven individually. They went in group. Even if in the competition, they considered the friendship.

No matter how slow and fast they moved, all 12 animals arrived in heaven and become immortals.