For an indie science fiction this stands out as one of the more visually striking and emotionally resonant. But what makes this film so unique is that it's intentionally dramatic.
It almost seems like the filmmakers were blissfully ignorant of the unspoken requirement that all American animation must be presented as a comedy, instead opting to tell the story as a somewhat conventional drama. That in itself makes this film feel immediately different. The fact that it methodically develops a case against unilateral war is downright rebellious, especially since the alien world is introduced in an almost naive, Disney-like way.
From the very first moments when you're introduced to the lush alien world, you know that this film will be a visual treat, and it delivers right through to the end. Unlike a lot of first films made by graphic artists and such, this animated piece quite obviously has an aspiring auteur behind it. There are a good number of compositions and cinematic constructs that scream out 'I have a vision!'.
But the film isn't without its flaws. There are a few moments that feel a little clumsy in the animation movement, some of the dialogue falls a bit flat, and the pace drags in spots. But these annoyances are thankfully few and far between, and are offset by an overall solid flow of drama and even a few moments of true brilliance. The best being saved for last in what has to be one of the most emotionally stirring conclusions for the genre in some time.
So on the whole, this is a terrific animated film with something to say and a beautiful way of expressing it. It's also the best animated science fiction film yet.
It's that good. Flaws and all.
It almost seems like the filmmakers were blissfully ignorant of the unspoken requirement that all American animation must be presented as a comedy, instead opting to tell the story as a somewhat conventional drama. That in itself makes this film feel immediately different. The fact that it methodically develops a case against unilateral war is downright rebellious, especially since the alien world is introduced in an almost naive, Disney-like way.
From the very first moments when you're introduced to the lush alien world, you know that this film will be a visual treat, and it delivers right through to the end. Unlike a lot of first films made by graphic artists and such, this animated piece quite obviously has an aspiring auteur behind it. There are a good number of compositions and cinematic constructs that scream out 'I have a vision!'.
But the film isn't without its flaws. There are a few moments that feel a little clumsy in the animation movement, some of the dialogue falls a bit flat, and the pace drags in spots. But these annoyances are thankfully few and far between, and are offset by an overall solid flow of drama and even a few moments of true brilliance. The best being saved for last in what has to be one of the most emotionally stirring conclusions for the genre in some time.
So on the whole, this is a terrific animated film with something to say and a beautiful way of expressing it. It's also the best animated science fiction film yet.
It's that good. Flaws and all.