Potapych: The Bear Who Loved Vodka

This is a four minute computer-animated short about a Russian bear named Potapych who makes friends with a man named Mishr sharing vodka drinks and having a good time partying everywhere they go. But then it ends in a poignant but satisfying way. Despite its short running time, this short makes its point in the most succinct way: you're nothing without friends and happiness. Wonderful use of Russian-style music and a narrator. I saw this on a recommendation of Jerry Beck at Cartoon Brew. The person who made this should definitely have a long career ahead of him. So by all means, if you're an animation buff and you take Mr. Beck at his word, make it a point to see this one.

Why is it easier to make friends than keep them? When Potapych's first friend (a bad man) is taken away, he is left alone for a long time, which is not good for a bear. However he meets Mishr and, despite the latter not drinking a reputable brand of vodka, their lives are transformed into ones of drinking and fun.

I'm not sure if Nicola Black has done something to annoy someone at Channel 4 but I'm struggling to think of a reason how Blackwatch continues to deliver such good product but yet still be blessed with witching hour schedules (this went out at around 2am). As it is Potapych is yet another fine film from Black's production company and it captures all that I love about the majority of their animations by being inventive, funny, touching and visually arresting. The plot is about a friendship between a man and a bear that is fuelled by vodka. It is hard to describe but at first their relationship is one of partying and joy, then it switches to perhaps have been all in their heads but then, in the end, who cares because their friendship is strong and Mishr's final act of kindness to his friend surprised me by really touching me.

Darren Price does wonderfully in writing such depth into such a "simple" film and his vision is well delivered by the animators, who give it a look and feel that is both unique but yet instantly recognisable as Blackwatch. God knows why Channel 4 don't treat these films as well as they deserve but I suppose at least credit to them for putting them out there. A really good animation that makes for a quite brilliant 4 minutes.