This is an exceptionally clever and sweet CGI film directed by Pierre Trudeau (not the ex-prime minister) and sponsored by the National Film Board of Canada. While the computer generated animation is very simple (even for 1999), this does not seriously impact the quality of the story and it's a lovely tale about a fastidious cuckoo clock bird who unwillingly becomes the proud father of three young birds! The film begins with the cuckoo clock bird going about his rounds with great precision--something he is quite proud of, by the way. However, on one occasion, lightning strikes--knocking him off his perch as well as knocking three eggs from a nearby nest into his clock! The cuckoo is just too nice a fella to throw them out, so he devotes the rest of the film to raising these three energetic chicks once they hatch.

Highly original, though reminiscent of another Film Board-sponsored animated short (THE BOY AND THE SNOW GOOSE), it's a winner and only misses out on a perfect 10 because the animation isn't great--though it works very well in this sweet tale.

French-language cinema, whether in France, Québec, or other Francophone regions, explores cultural identity, social change, and the tension between the individual and society. French cinema is not only celebrated for its intellectual experimentation and auteur traditions, but also its success in mainstream comedy, romance, and commercial entertainment. In Québec, films often focus on questions of language, belonging, and community within a distinct cultural landscape.

Jean-Pierre Léaud in The 400 Blows (1959)

Animation is a form of visual storytelling that involves creating visual art and motion through the use of various techniques and technologies. In animation, images are manipulated to create the illusion of movement, bringing characters, objects, and environments to life. Animation can encompass a wide range of styles, themes, and intended audiences, making it a diverse and versatile form of storytelling.

Daveigh Chase, Rumi Hiiragi, and Mari Natsuki in Spirited Away (2001)

The family genre features stories specifically created to be suitable for a wide range of age groups within a family. Family-oriented content is designed to be enjoyed by both children and adults, often providing entertainment that is wholesome, relatable, and appropriate for all members of a family to watch or experience together.

Drew Barrymore and Pat Welsh in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

The short form refers to creative works characterized by their brevity and concise storytelling. Unlike full-length feature films, short films have a running time of less than 45 minutes, while TV shorts have a running time of less than 22 minutes.

Benedict Cumberbatch in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood's perfect pairs.

Hollywood Power Couples

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood&#39;s perfect pairs.

See which big screen releases you can watch from the comfort of your couch.

Theatrical Releases Coming to Streaming

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Coucou, monsieur Edgar!

Photos

Cast1

User reviews1

Related interests

Storyline

Did you know

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed