Le vieil homme et la mer

What a Beautiful animation, I really love this style of art, It fits Perfectly the mood of the story as well.

When I saw this film was made by Aleksandr Petrov, I knew it had to be special. Even before this film received the Oscar for Best Short Animated Film, he was already well-known for his short films since he'd been nominated for Oscars in this same category for THE COW and MERMAID. All three of these films are breathtaking to watch--with the most amazing animation I have ever seen. Instead of traditionally cartoon-like animation or CGI, his films are like living and moving paintings--looking like something that should be in an art museum--not in a theater. They are simply gorgeous.

As for THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA, it easily deserved to win the Oscar--being yet another great Petrov film. The only odd thing about it is that it was made in English and French and when I saw it I was surprised because I expected Russian! Still, a gorgeous and faithful adaptation of the book and far better than the Spencer Tracy version of the tale.

a film who could surprise if the name of Alexandr Petrov is unknown. if not, it is only expression of subtle, touching and high art. a slice of pure beauty, homage to a great story and to its author. the images are almost magic. because behind each the passion, the hard work, the patience and the perseverance are signs of a kind of mystery. a film about a fight and a dream.out of words, far by definitions. it is a great animation and that fact is the secret for who not only admiration is the answer of spectator to it. something who seems be the childhood flavor and the grace of great dreams are ingredients of it. a film like a challenge. and like a refuge.

Aleksandr Petrov's adaptation of this Ernest Hemingway story is quite exquisite to watch. An opening sequence that illustrates the beauty of the animal kingdom gives way to the old man and the boy looking out over the sea. He is tired, doesn't want to eat and hasn't caught a fish for over a week. Fortunately for them, the youngster fishes with the "lucky boat" so they won't starve. Next day, vows the old man, he just knows if he ventures far enough out to sea, he will catch something. A small fish takes his line, ideal bait for something bigger - and that bigger fish duly arrives for a battle royal. If you know the story, then you'll know what happens next and of the lessons the older man learns. It's a poignant story about endurance and pride, but also about knowing your own limitations and learning how to share and to rely on others. An hard series of lessons for a man set in his ways and determined to provide. The water-borne animation is a joy to watch, the detail contrasts beautifully with the grand scale of the location and the facial expressions are windswept and natural to watch. At times the whole thing looks like a succession of gorgeous paintings and really is a delight to watch.

a well known text. and more that. impressive realism. and touching poetry. a masterpiece, without doubt. but on who inspires so emotion than transforms each moment in a surprise. because it is more Hemingway than Santiago in this story about memories - dreams, confessions, terrible fight, disillusion, pain and broke of expectation. it is almost a Hasidic story. or a parable. out of lines of text, out of expectations of viewer. a kind of magic. not surprising for the public of Alexander Petrov. but out of words. because his art has him. a gift. a miracle. open of new perspective of reality. that is all. and it is enough. because The Old Man and the Sea by Alexander Petrov is more than a magnificent adaptation. it is one of the most impressive confessions as part of unique art.