In this age of Pixar and Disney, it's difficult to see this crude animation getting an audience beyond those in the hills and valleys determined to keep the Welsh language and culture alive.

Based on celebrated Welsh legend the Mabinogi, which roughly means 'tales of youth', the film sees three troubled teens led by an old fisherman through an underwater gateway to an Otherworld.

Their sixth century destination is populated by wizards, monsters, cauldrons and heavy-set flowery maidens.

Each of the teenagers is transformed into an ancient character, whose stories we follow as they endure gruesome warfare, evil spirits and relationship strife.

Rhiannon (Jenny Livsey) is forced to marry a rather basic man she doesn't love, Dan (Daniel Evans) is up against his brother's violent scheming, and Lleu (Matthew Rhys) is cast out by his wicked mother.

Linking the tales to the characters' 'real' lives is a nice idea but comes across as tenuous and clumsy.

The legends themselves are not particularly interesting but are thought to have inspired JRR Tolkien to write his much grander and influential Lord Of The Rings trilogy.

The interesting film score comes from Welsh rock legend John Cale, formerly of The Velvet Underground.

It's a shame it's rated 12A as younger kids, especially boys, are likely to find the most to enjoy here.

Aidan Conway