This is a set of animated movies by the Canadian Frederic Back. It contains 9 movies including 2 Oscar winners and one more nominee, and interviews. Each cel is crafted as a piece of art, something rarely seen.
The title story is one of the Oscar winner, a remarkably timeless tale from 1953 of a French Johnny Appleseed. The DVD has an interview with the author, Jean Giono.
My favorite is Crac, the other winner. It is a loving story from a simpler time, of a rocking chair, its life, death and rebirth, set to Nova Scotia dance music. Look for elaborate visual gags, bits of Canadian Indian lore and a hilarious ending in a museum of abstract art.
Through it all flows a strong sense of respect for nature.
On the downside: I spent a long time figuring out the menu. You have to mouse over and wait for a square icon to appear, then click it, otherwise it just cycles through a short preview over and over while you scratch you hair. |