Sergei Prokofiev's Peter & the Wolf (2007)

The 2007 Oscar winner for Best Animated Short is a combination of stop-motion capture and CGI. Peter & the Wolf feels familiar, yet new. This complex re-imagining speaks volumes thanks to sharp detail and a beautiful score.

Set in Russian (pre or post, depends on the viewer), morose Peter manages to escape the grim life he leads with his hard, aged grandfather for a few hours. With his pet duck in tow and a bird with a broken wing (supported by a balloon), the trio set out to play in the wintry canvas of forest. The carefree day is stolen from Peter when the wolf arrives. After suffering at the paws of the wolf, Peter sets his cap to catch the beast and prevail.

Simple in nature, the story is remarkably complex in director Suzie Templeton's hands. The emotion found in here is remarkable and very human. Peter's world is brutal and lonely. Thanks to Prokofiev's score we feel Peter's sadness, ache at his despair and find joy in his smile.

The motion capture is beautiful. The seemingly rough edge belies technical prowess as our characters are brought to life-- almost like magic. Templeton has interpreted the Peter, Duck Grandpa, and the Wolf wonderfully from Prokofiev's masterful score.

As I see it, Peter and the Wolf is a magical creation that cinephiles of all ages will appreciate. What a treat!