Lee Eisenberg
Tomasz Bagiński's "Katedra" ("The Cathedral" in English) is a movie whose ultimate meaning is a matter of interpretation. Whether you see it as an indictment of religion or as a plain science fiction story, this adaptation of Jacek Dukaj's short story is one of the most impressive things that you'll ever see.I haven't seen any of the other nominees for Best Animated Short Film at the 75th Academy Awards. Even so, the others - including the winner - will be hard-pressed to be as impressive as "The Cathedral". Once again, Poland gives the world a fine piece of cinema. I hope to see more movies from Tomasz Bagiński.Definitely see it.
Michael DeZubiria
Cathedral is such a simple film that it is even more amazing how powerful it is. There is not a word of dialogue and almost no plot, but there is just enough going on so that you can insert your own meaning onto it, it means whatever is most important to you. The animation is spectacular, it reminds me of Final Fantasy, from a purely technical standpoint (this film is much, much better than Final Fantasy), and the music, by far my favorite part of the film, is breathtaking. There is a fascinating cross breed between techno and classical chant that fits with the material like no other kind of music ever possibly could. When the music picks up near the end of the film, it is some of the best combination of sound and sight that I have ever experienced.The movie delves into the meaning of existence and suffering in such an obscure but powerful way that it is unbelievably moving to witness the fate of a person who we do not know anything about, especially since it plays off of the meaning of cathedrals themselves in a way that pays respectful homage. It uses them as a catalyst to tell the story but does so respectfully, returning the power to them that it borrowed for its own purposes. Bravo.
jana-milewska
I agree with all the previous comments - excellent animation etc...-a masterpiece indeed. However I find the plot of the movie at least as fascinating as the visualization. It's about the power of existence and coming to an end - beautiful, magnificent, unavoidable and horrifying, about sacrifices that allow us to last. ....and thousand other interpretations. You may not agree with mine but what can be said without any doubts is that the plot IS NOT LIGHT!
whatev-3
Anyone who's seen the new Star Wars movies, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, The Matrix Reloaded and other heavy-CGI films can attest that the animation rarely conveys scope or true majesty: when you can tell something is fake, it's hard to let it take your breath away. However, The Cathedral is truly the first CGI I've seen that's left me in awe. The plot is elegantly simple, in fact, everything about this movie is elegant, beautiful and haunting. This is what CGI should be. Either this or Das Rad deserved to win the Oscar for best Animated Short.
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