User Reviews

Probably any parent will attest, that there are things you want to do, and things you have to do - and the have to do's always come first. This applies in the big and small things. This is the theme of Kukuschka, although it is set in a totally unfamiliar world of desolation and bird-like creatures. We see the main character struggle with her newfound responsibility towards a child, but yet at the same time wanting to do what she has always done (which seems to be following the sun as it moves through the sky). In terms of the theme, it does enable the viewer to connect to it, because it is recognisable; however it doesn't take this and produce something overly satisfying. There isn't much of a narrative within this, and it relies heavily on making the connection to that theme because in essence the second half and ending is about how to make this 'obstacle' work. I liked how it did this, but must admit it felt a bit unsatisfying as a whole film.

The animation and creation of this work is brilliant through. It is a vividly created place, which is not afraid to be ugly in its design and appearance - not ugly because it is badly done, but ugly because it is very well done. The stopmotion animation is impressive throughout, and visually there is a lot to take in - which is maybe why I found the content to be weaker, because that seemed more straightforward in what it did. Certainly an interesting film, that offers a core of the familiar, but it didn't come together as a whole for me.

A film by Dina Velikovskaya. For the public of the director, all is simple, from animation to story and the high care for details. The poetry of ugly is the axis in this case. The tale is simple, the delicate humor - present, the end - inspired. But something is missing. It is only a feeling. But, as each animation created by Velikovskaya, admirable.