Cvrcak i mravica

Aesop (650 CE-564 CE (Common Era) was a Greek fabulist and storyteller, credited with a number of fables collectively known as Aesop's Fables. Obviously the tale has been altered for the modern animation factor by the Croatian film makers.

The animation looks like an older 2D design but it is colourful, sharp and clear. I think children will like it (if it is dubbed into the language of those watching); as they also will not notice the little errors here and there. I used English subtitles to view my copy of it and they were correct in every translated word.

Although the animation, story et al are all good I personally did not find anything about it that I could give it a thumbs up to. I wouldn't say it bored me but it did not thrill or excite me with anything Alas! I just didn't find it interesting though I think many others may do so.

The movie, although technically not very impressive compared to todays Pixar, Dreamworks or even the money hungry Illumination, was still nice to look at in certain parts.

The story has some plot holes and I was confused by the usage of music in certain parts, more specifically the lack of it. I understand that ants don't like music and that the makers wanted to have contrast between them and the crickets, but you can really feel how much music is important in movies once there's a lack of it. Its a nice start for the croatian animation, but I can't find out what was the size of the budget (I'm curious how much money it needs to earn to make the cut).

If this movie will make enough money it will open up the doors for more croatian animated cinema releases, which will be a welcome change from the all hailed mouse lord content.

Welcome to the (very different) worlds of ants and crickets. The world of the ants is about work, order and precision, while the world of the crickets is ... well, the opposite! The ant world is represented by Antoinette and the cricket world is represented by Ket. Antoinette meets Ket by accident - literally! - and we're about to go on a journey to find out just how different these insects really are.

Anteodor is the best student in his architect class. When graduates, he is immediately given the task of designing a new level for Anthill. He is ambitious and his designs are modern but impractical. He has his eyes on Antoinette, who is the future queen, but she has very little interest in him.

I never knew this, but apparently crickets can't survive in winter. This subject matter comes to the fore in 'Cricket and Antoinette' when Antoinette learns this fact and tries to warn Ket and his friends. But Ket is in a band and they are carefree entertainers who see winter as a myth. So it is up to Antoinette to try and save them.

There certainly is a lot to love about this Croatian animated film. Firstly, the animation is stunning! Secondly, I enjoyed the characters. They were not clichéd and there were no annoying comic relief characters. Thirdly, I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the different worlds, and the different perceptions and opinions. In a way, its also a survival story. And above all, it felt original.

What I did find interesting was the fact size is irrelevant in the movie. We all know ants and crickets are not really the same size, and according to the film the ants and the crickets are larger than snails. They also have more human features than insects. Ah well, for the sake of the story, I suppose we can oversee this detail... It was a fun movie and I enjoyed it!

I am so so happy that croatian animation is starting to get back on its feet! I do hope that many more similar projects will happen in Croatia and that it produces more croatian animators. And what a wonderful beginning of a renaissance this is... 💚 Cricket and Antoinette is equally enjoyable for the parents as it is for the children. Great story, with an amazing message, catchy songs and colorful visuals.

It really goes neck to neck with some of the best European, or any non Disney or Pixar, animated features.

If you have the chance go and see this movie in cinemas and support this wonderful project.