A very interesting political parable, apparently intended as an allegory on Czechislovakia's struggle against the Russians. But like any good allegory, it works as a statement on any struggle to topple a giant.
The art and animation are superb, filled with more detail and imagination than any ten standard animated films (the works of Miyazaki excluded).
It isn't perfect, of course. For all it's visual and allegorical depth, the characters are about as deep as a glass of water, existing only to deliver lines which further the plot. In fact, the main character practically disappears during the final act. Additionally, while the sights of alien plant and animal life show a great deal of creativity, we are treated to far too many of them. Such sequences are great for establishing a sense of place, but should have been cut closer to the end of the film.
As an interesting final note, the theme of knowledge overcoming power, and particularly the use of a "knowledge machine" suspiciously appeared later in L. Ron Hubbard's "Battlefield Earth", giving us one less reason to retain any respect for the man.
The art and animation are superb, filled with more detail and imagination than any ten standard animated films (the works of Miyazaki excluded).
It isn't perfect, of course. For all it's visual and allegorical depth, the characters are about as deep as a glass of water, existing only to deliver lines which further the plot. In fact, the main character practically disappears during the final act. Additionally, while the sights of alien plant and animal life show a great deal of creativity, we are treated to far too many of them. Such sequences are great for establishing a sense of place, but should have been cut closer to the end of the film.
As an interesting final note, the theme of knowledge overcoming power, and particularly the use of a "knowledge machine" suspiciously appeared later in L. Ron Hubbard's "Battlefield Earth", giving us one less reason to retain any respect for the man.