Hiroshi

In a way, it is characteristic of Czech animated production of the post-November era that even a renowned creator like Pojar had to rely on foreign contracts to be able to film at all... Pojar has a decent reputation in Japan, although far from being as prominent as Švankmajer. I think that the fact that the film was shot as a "hired job" and not as an author's film is evident, even though Pojar is a hundred percent professional. It simply lacks enthusiasm, although it is otherwise decently done work. The animation is of good quality, as long as we do not compare it with the latest films from large studios focused on producing animated blockbusters - that wouldn't be fair. The use of a combination of techniques is interesting and unconventional for Pojar - traditional Czech puppets with computer animation. The incorporation of Pojar's traditional poetics with oriental motifs is also attractive. We are reminded of these both by the music and the visual elements, as well as by the appearance of the puppets. The story is weaker, and I am far from certain whether this slow narrative will have the power to captivate today's children accustomed to a different pace and narrative shortcut. Overall impression: 60%. (2009.08.24)