Azur is a white boy with blue eyes and Asmar has dark skin and dark eyes. They grow up like brothers hearing the tale of a fairy Djinn`s from the nanny - who is Asmar`s mother. Displeased at the interaction and harmless competition between the boys, Azur`s father expels Asmar and his mother from the castle. A long time later, the grown, strapping Azur takes a journey to search for the fairy Djinn, but he is stranded in a strange land when his ship is wrecked. In this land where blue-eyed people are condemned as sinners, Azur pretends to be a blind. [Azur and Asmar] is first 3-D animation by Michel Ocelot, well known for his previous animations such as [Prince and Princess] and [Kirikou and the Sorceress]. Despite the simplified technique, Ocelot offers us a glimpse of his own unique world of mystery with exotic touches. Contrast and conflict between the colorful French land and Maghreb indirectly recalls issues that contemporary France faces. This gem of animation endeavors to capture the beauty of hopeful dreams, as well as an aesthetic and social significance. (Rhee Soue-Won)