A spellbinding animated short. The background is utterly expressionistic, appearing like volcanic rock. In the foreground, the figures stay still for enough moments to appear to be part of different style of animation, where we are seeing a a photo. Then the figures move as if life was just breathed into them. As a whole it is a bravura display of animation mastery. Innovatory technique need not be in only abstract work. The animation can be delirious and stunning, like here, or in the real-life action of a Powell/Pressburger movie. Various types of animation are used to augment the main style. More than augment, they amaze as each new surprise lives up to the last. The culmination of the lead-up is sightly disappointing at first, as it's an event that so many have pulled thrills and adrenalin rushes from before these filmmakers. The downers lasts a few moments only as the animation clicks back into top gear. It reminds of 'Une nuit sur le Mont Chauve' in how both stirring and magical it is.
Review of Secha pri Kerzhentse
