Away

If you aren't familiar with Gints Zibalodis's art style, I can very much see others get taken aback by how the film appears. Because it doesn't look like anything else you've seen before, unless you played a couple indie developed videogames. Incredible work from being the only dude who worked on it.

Maybe the next Angel's Egg, except more pleasant of an experience. Away wears mood, serenity, and potential symbolism all on its sleeves. Not in the pretentious sense though, moreso achieves having the audience remember an artists name.

Hypnotic from when it starts to where it ends, doesn't waste any potential with a strong hour an fifteen minute runtime. Every second feels deserved thanks to the stunning visuals, and breathtaking score.

Truly a uniquely inspiring film, Away captures a delicate balance between immense intricacy and sheer minimalism with ease and sustains it for the entirety of the film. This harmony exists in every aspect of the production and makes for an extremely satisfying time. I can't wait to own a copy and watch it many more times for years to come. If you get an opportunity to see a screening then do it! You won't regret it.

When I sat in the cinema watching the first chapter, frankly, I was not very much impressed. I was curious to see the film, as it was done by my fellow countryman, but being unfamiliar with any other works of Gints Zibalodis, the animation style looked like of an old videogame and the beginning seemed way too slow and boring... BUT! As the story was progressing, I became more and more invested in it.

This animation film is about a boy, who finds himself alone on a dreamy island, pursued by a surreal monster consuming every living creature on his way. The boy tries to run away from the monster and find his way back home.

To begin with, viewers need to acknowledge that the plot is something of secondary importance in this film - like in Virginia Woolf's novels, it is simple, abstract and unconventionally conventional. Even though there is a good amount of action, high-tension and even heartbreaking scenes, Away is more like a meditation on life and loneliness without any complicated plot twists. By the end of the film, many questions are left unanswered, such as why the monster couldn't get the boy in the oasis etc. However, it is that kind of metaphorical story that makes you step away from hectic reality and reflect on what you have just seen on the screen.

I have mentioned before that the animation did not impress me right from the start. Zibalodis used an old-fashioned, 2D technique, which may be off-putting at first, but, still, the film has absolutely marvellous scenery. The landscapes were captivating and reminded me of Japanese anime. Even the lack of graphic details on the characters does not prevent you from caring for them. The score was captivating and created just the right atmosphere - the music said all that needed to be said, even without dialogues.

Overall, the film turned out to be a real hidden gem. It is beautiful, inspiring and unique. Zibalodis did a brilliant job and, shockingly, all by himself. Definitely worth watching!

I would recommend this to everyone. Contains valuable insights on life which really resonate... how to conquer our fears, to push ourselves or allow our souls to wither away by just fearing all the negative outcomes; how helping others can end up saving us. Also loved the animation style and music. Picture worth a thousand words done right!

Away is a calm, meditative and beautiful animated film with an impressive atmosphere.

Without even speaking 1 word, the film says so much and leaves a lot of scope for your own interpretations. In addition, there is the wonderful art style with super minimalistic animations that give the film a unique atmosphere. The score is just as grandiose as it is beautiful, and underlines the breathtaking pictures in a masterful way.

The amazing thing is that the Latvian director Gints Zilbalodus made the film completely by himself.