film criticism by maryann johanson | since 1997
I don’t see how the astonishing “Opera,” by Erick Oh, doesn’t win the Oscar for Best Animated Short. This is a stupendous achievement, a cartoon clockwork depicting life, the universe, and everything.
Beautiful and startling, bursting with both brutality and hope, this animated adventure is too intense for young children, but the brains and bravery of its young heroine will inspire older kids and adults alike.
Now with winners indicated.
Adventure is for boys. What do even powerful and magical girls get to do? Merely inspire a boy on his adventure with their goodness or their badness. [This post is not behind the paywall.]
Prettily animated family adventure infused with Irish folklore and traditional Celtic design makes for a change of pace from slick Hollywood cartoons.
LFF is a veritable orgy of cinema, and I love it. It’s exhausting, but I love it.
