War Is Over! (2023) User Reviews

Visually Excellent

[boblipton · 5/10 · 18 February 2024]

While trench warfare rages, two men on opposite sides of No Man's Land play chess, using a pigeon to send each other their movies.

This movie is my call for winner of 2024's Best Animated Short Oscar. It has a strong anti-war message, and will appeal to the Baby Boomers nostalgic for the music of their youth. It's certainly beautifully computer-animated, with the pigeon resplendent in its colors.

Which is not to say that it succeeds as an animated short. When I look at movies like this, I consider whether it could have been done live, without any animated techniques at all. The answer to that question is "Yes."

Simple but still effective with its message

[gpeevers · 6/10 · 22 February 2024]

The story is fairly straightforward - two soldiers on opposite sides play chess by sending messages via a pigeon over the battle lines.

When the conflict ignites the two enemy soldiers realize they are face to face with their playing partner and the pigeon is flying into danger they try to stop the fighting - which is aided by the discovery of a note that says the war is over.

In many cases war is futile but sometimes it is necessary to combat various wrongs and perhaps it could be interpreted that way.

The animation is fine, the song (Happy Xmas - War is Over) is good - but for me the film is just revisiting an obvious message - maybe its not an obvious message to everyone - so perhaps it bears repeating.

It appears this film is meant to represent the First World War but the depictions seem more stylized than historical to my eye.

My third favorite of the nominees in 2024.

Impressive

[chris-24993 · 10/10 · 16 March 2024]

"War is Over" is an absolute triumph in the world of animated shorts, and its recent Academy Award win for Best Animated Short is undeniably well-deserved. From its stunning visuals to its poignant storytelling, this film captivates audiences with its powerful message of hope, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. The animation is breathtaking, seamlessly weaving together a narrative that resonates deeply with viewers of all ages. Through its evocative storytelling and masterful animation, "War is Over" delivers a timely and important message about the consequences of conflict and the possibility of peace. It's a shining example of the transformative power of storytelling and a testament to the talent and dedication of its creators. This award-winning film is truly a masterpiece that will continue to inspire and provoke thought long after the credits roll.