One by One (2004) (V)

User Rating:

7.7/10   

Directors:

Pixote Hunt
Dave Bossert (co-director)

Writer:

Kelvin Yasuda (story)

Release Date:

31 August 2004 (USA)

Genre:

Animation | Short

Plot Keywords:

Number In Title

Cast

Lebo M.

...

Lead Vocal Performance (singing voice)

Runtime:

6 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

USA:G

Company:

Walt Disney Pictures

Trivia:

Released on The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (1998) (V) Special Edition DVD.

Soundtrack:

One by One

A beautiful film

One by One is a fine example of artistic film-making. There is no dialog in this short, but the commentary is clear none-the-less. The music, which is reminiscent of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, is perfectly set to the story, which highlights the grace of the human spirit, even in the worst of circumstances. The children in the film find ways to celebrate life amidst the backdrop of oppression and abject poverty. The lighting and special effects easily transport the viewer to the fields of Africa, creating an unforgettable ambiance. My children also loved it, and made up their own lyrics to the African chanting so they could sing along. This is one of the best shorts I've seen in a very long time. It's too bad this film never got a theatrical release, as it would have garnered Disney a Best Oscar nomination, if not the award itself.