Yozhik v tumane (Hedgehog in the fog)

November 4th, 2007

Directed by Yuriy Norshteyn, written by Sergei Kozlov .

Description: This is yet another wonderful piece of russian animation, and it has that specific feel to it too. It is the story of a little hedgehog that embarks on a journey to see his friend, the bear, but gets lost in the fog and has to face his fear of the unknown, while enjoying the momentary company and assistance of a friendly dog, an strange owl and a helpful fish. This is a very cute and touching piece of animation that brings back memories of childhood experiences and quests for new and unknown things. Make sure to share this with the kids, they will surely enjoy it.

IMDB link: http://imdb.com/title/tt0073099/

Posted in touching, stop-motion, animals, fairytale | No Comments »

The skeleton dance

November 4th, 2007

Directed by Walt Disney, drawn by Ub Iwerks.

Description: Another important part of cartoon animation history, Walt Disney’s dancing skeletons put together a wonderful cartoon filled with original humor, music and sound effects. Amazingly, this cartoon was created as early as 1929, and at that time could only be viewed in real cinemas, as opposed to today when cartoons and animations themselves are mainly viewed via TV or Internet, and even there good pieces have become a rarity. This is a happy playful cartoon that the kids will most surely enjoy so be sure to have them around if you’re a parent.

IMDB link: http://imdb.com/title/tt0020414/

Posted in walt disney, cartoon, musical, classic animation, funny | No Comments »

Stage fright

November 2nd, 2007

Written and directed by Steve Box, produced (among others) by Nick Park.

Description: This is one of the earlier animated pieces for which Nick Park acted as executive producer, and although it won a BAFTA award, it is quite different from some of his more famous later work, such as the acclaimed animated comedy series, Wallace and Grommit. The animation is a representation of the transition from vaudeville to cinematography and it shows the hardships a dog juggling vaudevillian and his partner must go through in order to secure their future. Although excellently animated, it is slightly disturbing and most certainly a strange piece, not really recommended for the young audience.

IMDB link: http://imdb.com/title/tt0120193/

Posted in claymation, conceptual, weird | No Comments »

Balance

November 1st, 2007

Directed by Christoph Lauenstein and Wolfgang Lauenstein.

Description (fordraff[at]verizon[dot]net) : This short film was completely absorbing and finely worked out. It held my attention from the moment it began until the conundrum of an ending, which earned it a round of applause at the 19th Street Theatre in Allentown, PA, where I saw it. The film illustrates the need for humankind to cooperate and shows what happens when one doesn’t do so, when he puts his selfish interest above the good of the group, even to sending others to their death. One’s selfish pursuit cannot be justified, the film implies, even in the pursuit of art (after all, it was music in the box and the man wanted that music for himself or wanted to explore the interior of the box, i.e., the music, in greater depth). Film has many implications, would repay several viewings and stimulate much discussion.

IMDB link: http://imdb.com/title/tt0096880/

Posted in claymation, humanity, conceptual, weird | No Comments »
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