Horst in Translation (filmreviews@web.de)
This description fits basically all aspects in this 2007 7-minute animated short film by Claude Barras and Cédric Louis. It's a Swiss-Canadian co-production, but there is no audible dialogue in here, so you can watch and understand it wherever you come from. Or maybe not understand it as it is pretty unclear what exactly is going on in here. They partially make up for that major failure by making this a pretty atmospheric and creepy short film. However, this cannot solve the issue. It's really just another case of style over substance. As a whole I was disappointed by this one here and I cannot say I am surprised that neither of the two filmmakers behind it have really gotten into a promising career in the last almost 10 years. Not recommended.
Rectangular_businessman
This was a cute animation. It was sad, but not depressive, being also tender and heartwarming at the same time.While the plot isn't particularly complex, it certainly works perfectly well as a sentimental fable about the innocence of childhood and family. The aesthetic of the characters designs reminded me a little the works of Tim Burton, but that's actually a good thing since it fits perfectly well with the nostalgic tone of the story. I liked the bittersweet ending that this had, which was delivered in a poetical, non-pretentious way. Definitely a worth-watching work.8.5/10
ccthemovieman-1
The artwork in this 2007 short reminded of the animated feature film "Coroline," which came out two years later. That's a compliment, because "Coroline" was beautifully drawn, as was this previously-drawn animated short from the National Film Board of Canada.It can be seen as part of the collection of short animation on "Animation Express." I would recommend seeing it on Blu-Ray. The high-def really is nice on films like "Sainte Barbe," which are quite detailed and colorful.There isn't much of a story, just a little kid with a scarred big head in love with his big-bearded grandfather, where insects and even a fox go to dwell once in awhile. Grandma is there, too, in the spare little home in the woods. It's a sad tale more than anything else but a touching one and beautifully drawn by Claude Barras of France and Cedric Louis of Belgium.The nice artwork and the weirdness of the story make it compelling.
AD
