Crac

In the days of high-tech screen wizardry, this delightful French-Canadian film is a joy of gentle, simple animation. It depicts a slice of the history of Quebec, or Acadia or just about anywhere in frontier North America, in a touching and somewhat sentimental fashion, through the tale of the life and times of a lowly, hand-crafted rocking chair. Only small details, such as the rich background of traditional Quebecois folk music and the attire of certain figures, shows this story to be that of French Canada; the story is otherwise seemingly universal, expressed with no dialog. The animation is a rich palette of pastels and illustration seemingly from the children's literature genre, which works marvelously for the story at hand. It's not a perfect film--a brief flit with contemporary political commentary disrupts the story flow momentarily--but I have seen people moved to tears by the film's darker moments and then tears of joy at the conclusion.

Crac is a beautiful 1981 animated film that touches the heart with its heart-warming story and stunning animation.

Set in 1930s Montreal, Crac follows the story of an old wooden rocking chair that has been passed down from generation to generation. As the chair finds its way into the hands of a young boy, we are taken on an incredible journey through time and space, as the chair becomes a witness to the history of Montreal and the lives that have come and gone around it.

What truly sets Crac apart from many other animated films is its breathtaking animation. The visuals are perfect for the tone, with each frame a work of art that showcases the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

But beyond its visual beauty, Crac also tells a heart-warming story that is sure to leave audiences feeling uplifted and inspired. The film's exploration of the passing of time and the enduring nature of family traditions is both poignant and touching, reminding us of the importance of the things that connect us to our past and our loved ones.

This short, one of the most deserving winners of the Academy Award in its category that I've had the pleasure of seeing, is simply magnificent, Excellent idea, wonderful animation and music, marvelous pacing and transitions, just glorious on all counts! The ending is perfect! Frederic Back made at least three other shorts besides this one and I truly wish I could find any or all of them in-print on VHS. So far as I know, they've never been available in the United States. *SIGH* Well, Crac is in print, at least. Most completely and joyously recommended.

Le Rêve Du Diable, the folk group, was expertly chosen to reawaken the feeling of those times of early French Canadian settlers....pioneers who lived WITH, not in spite of, the New Land. The music interlocks and enhances the film like a puzzle piece, joining the art with the activism...and especially with the proud traditions of the Québécois! The swirling of memories was appropriately used as a powerful metaphor to conjure the long-gone past...still very much alive in the Hearts of those who understand the need to keep the flame burning. I recall the first time I saw this film in a smallish theater where a compilation of award-winning short films and animations was presented. It brought a tear to my eye...it was so full of sentiment and love for the natural primeval beauty of the land. I have experienced the "before and after" of overpopulation and excessive, unnecessary pressure on habitats. In my case it was practically like the Joni Mitchell song "...they paved Paradise, put up a parking lot"!

"Crac" is beautifully animated short following the life and creation of a rocking chair. It is a testament to the power of visual story telling. The short is an excellent pairing of charming colored pencils sketches and wonderful thematically appropriate music. The story reminds me of Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree". The impact this tree and this chair had on the life of this man his family and future generations. This could also be seen as a precursor of Pixar projects. The idea of giving emotion to the inanimate object can lead to some sweet and thoughtful moments. Overall, this is a very charming and likable short, and I will try to keep my thoughts on it likewise.