Rocks

They say that good art is something that once seen changes one's perspective forever. If so this short qualifies. Once you see it you'll always be a bit aware of the rock's perspective of time.

Bravo on an really well-conceived short film.

It is a film for discover the reality near yourself in the fair perspective. It is an amusing , touching, ironic and delicate short animation about history, changes, people and nature. And it gives more than a lovely story but a wise manner to discover the essence of the things around every new day. Two characters. A talk . The status of witnesses of a large circle. Small observations and large slices of silence. And the fear of the viewer about the victory of progress against the rocks. The end is a wise one especially as answer to this fear. So, admirable animation.

While I won't go so far as to say this "deserved" the Academy Award for Short Animation more than any other nominee (it was a very good field and the winner, The Chubbchubbs, was also extremely good), I do consider this an extraordinary short and would have had no problems with it winning. In this, it becomes quite clear that time is truly relative and that longevity is all a matter of perspective. At times funny and unsettling (often in the same instant), you'll think about this for a while and really should watch it more than once. You'll never quite see rocks in the same way again. In a just and fair world, this would be readily available. Hopefully, it will be sometime soon. This has aired on the Sundance Channel as part of Shorts Program 114 and was also part of the initial program for The Animation Show still currently in release in some areas. By all means, see it if you can. Well worth the effort. Most highly recommended.

Das Rad (2003)

*** (out of 4)

Neat film received an Oscar-nomination for Best Animated Short. The film works on the basic idea that two piles of rocks, who can speak to one another, are fearing another ice age. The entire short is built around time going forward thousands of years and these rocks being there through it all. I guess it's fair to say you'll never really look at a rock the same way again and the next time you pick one up to throw it, there's a good chance you'll remember this movie and think about the history you're holding in your hands and ask what all has happened in the presence of that rock. The movie doesn't do anything overly special with the exception of the wonderful build up and the eventual execution. This is certainly the type of movie that makes you think after wards and the thoughts you have after the movie are probably going to be more impressive than the ones you have while watching it. This here is certainly a nice little gem that deserves to be seen.

memorable, smart, funny, original, flawlessly executed... what else can i tell you about 'das rad', without spoiling any future viewing experience (if there will be a chance for one)? this one really stood out among this year's oscar contenders. i am truly disappointed the academy decided to give the golden guy to yet another big studio product instead of rewarding this little (but by no means insignificant) movie. i was really touched by the story: i think what we (humans) really need in a trying time like that is a proper perspective towards what our species is getting itself into. 'das rad' gives you that, and manages to make its point despite its short running time. a real gem, go see it if you have a chance. bravo stenner & uidel!