Although IMDb lists the running time as 70 minutes, I saw PRINCES ET PRINCESSES by Ocelot in a running time only a tiny fraction of this time and it seemed complete. I assume this running time is just a mistake, as this was definitely a short film--unless there is, perhaps, an alternate version. Could be.
I really, really liked this sweet fairy tale. Although the art style isn't the most complex, it certainly worked well and was highly reminiscent of Asian shadow puppets. These characters usually were seen at side profile but were certainly fascinating to see. But the best part of this film, by far, is the really wonderful story.
In an unusual and interesting move, the story begins with the three characters from the story sitting around talking about making up a fairy tale. They then use their computers and printers to supposedly put themselves into the story. It's all about a princess who has a curse on her. It seems that her diamond necklace fell apart and she disappeared. It seems that the prince that finds the diamonds--ALL the diamonds--will break the curse. Well, there are two princes working together and one is obviously a bully and a jerk. When the nice one finds a diamond (while the other is busy tormenting ants), the jerk takes the diamond in his hand--at which point the princess appears and announces that he MUST find all 111 (give or take) diamonds before the hourglass runs out to break the curse. BUT, if he doesn't, then he'll be turned into an ant. Well, he only finds 11 and is transformed to a bug. But what about the nice prince? Will he, too, try and if so will it turn out any different? Watch it yourself, Buster, and see! But I can promise that the answer is pretty neat--a lovely and sweet tale from start to finish! The animation gets a 7 and the story a 9 or 10. I really liked this story and hope to see more from the talented folks who made it.
UPDATE: According to an email from chuck-526, there is indeed a much longer version and I somehow got a shortened one after all. I'll have to see if I can find that one--especially since I did like this film a lot.
I really, really liked this sweet fairy tale. Although the art style isn't the most complex, it certainly worked well and was highly reminiscent of Asian shadow puppets. These characters usually were seen at side profile but were certainly fascinating to see. But the best part of this film, by far, is the really wonderful story.
In an unusual and interesting move, the story begins with the three characters from the story sitting around talking about making up a fairy tale. They then use their computers and printers to supposedly put themselves into the story. It's all about a princess who has a curse on her. It seems that her diamond necklace fell apart and she disappeared. It seems that the prince that finds the diamonds--ALL the diamonds--will break the curse. Well, there are two princes working together and one is obviously a bully and a jerk. When the nice one finds a diamond (while the other is busy tormenting ants), the jerk takes the diamond in his hand--at which point the princess appears and announces that he MUST find all 111 (give or take) diamonds before the hourglass runs out to break the curse. BUT, if he doesn't, then he'll be turned into an ant. Well, he only finds 11 and is transformed to a bug. But what about the nice prince? Will he, too, try and if so will it turn out any different? Watch it yourself, Buster, and see! But I can promise that the answer is pretty neat--a lovely and sweet tale from start to finish! The animation gets a 7 and the story a 9 or 10. I really liked this story and hope to see more from the talented folks who made it.
UPDATE: According to an email from chuck-526, there is indeed a much longer version and I somehow got a shortened one after all. I'll have to see if I can find that one--especially since I did like this film a lot.