Rozhdestvo (1997) Poster

(1997)

User Reviews

Review this title
2 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
9/10
This is practically perfect....I loved this film.
planktonrules18 September 2009
I was blown away by this film, as it managed to tell the story of Jesus' birth without being too sentimental or preachy. Yet, it also did this without words and using a style of animation that appeared quite simple. The end product is simply amazing.

The film itself is mostly sepia-toned and whatever colors (other than browns) that are used still have this hue about them. As for the art style, it looks almost like folk art, but it also is quite complex because there is a strong 3-D look to the characters--they seem to pop out of the picture.

As for the story, it generally follows the story from the book of Luke in the Bible but has a few odd but cute changes. For example, in addition to the three wise men (actually astrologers) and shepherds, fishermen are also alerted to Jesus' birth. I also thought it was funny that as the angel appeared to the shepherds, they were in the middle of a fist fight. Some symbolism was added as well--in particular the animals. You see the lion refusing to eat the cute bunnies and a flock of birds serenading the family.

It's all very quaint but also very lovely from start to finish. I've never seen another film quite like it (even Aldashin's other animations) and its gentle quaint style is quite captivating.
4 out of 6 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
splendid
Vincentiu19 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Christmas story. in a delicate manner. almost naive, lovely at whole, example of high art and one of films who translate the magic in splendid formula. like each movie of genre, it is a homage but, in same measure, a way to remember not exactly a story but the essence of it. the birth of Jesus and its universal message for each part of creation. Joseph as poor man, the angels as heralds of miracle, the sepia tones as tool to suggest the age and permanence of the miracle, the event as foundation of peace, Sain Virgin as image of common mother, the astrologers as three old men in search of Child. it is a film about Christmas but its importance is not reducible to a moment of year. because it has not the spirit of holiday but the spirit of joy as way of existence. a splendid animation. and an extraordinary respite for each viewer to rediscover basic values of existence.
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed