Great looking short that makes imaginative use of one phrase

Shown as part of the 2006 short films from the Animator in Residence scheme is "What Would Your Recommend", or at least in English it is. It is the story of a British traveller who sets out on holiday to Italy with one phrase under his belt but a real reliance on his phrase book to get by. However when he loses his book just outside the airport, his overuse of the phrase he knows ("cosa raccomanda lei?") sees him getting into trouble.

Usually with these short films I end up having to pull credits off the screen, search the internet and enter all the data onto this site before I can review it but in this case it seems that Ketchell himself has beaten me to it. Some might see this as a bit of an ego trip but personally I see it as perfectly reasonable because the film is very enjoyable and deserves what promotion it can get. The set-up is simple but the way that the script gets our man into trouble bit by bit is amusing, right up to the punch line (which is of course the title yet again). It is witty and amusing and I quite enjoyed the way it made the film out of one common and simple theme of foreigners abroad pretending they get the language when they really don't.

The animation is also very cool. Imaginatively shaped characters work within backgrounds and sets that are minimal but yet work really well within the film. I'm not sure if it is computer generated or a mix of techniques but I found it very cool and easy to enjoy, matching the wit of the film. I normally gush about the style of the Blackwatch-produced shorts and in a way the animation here featured many of the same strengths as those from that very strong stable. As writer and director Ketchell deserves credit for this because he has produced a great little three minute film.

Funny, cool, imaginative, well put together and with a solid punch-line, this is an entertaining piece of animation that is worthy of the primetime slot that channel 4 gave it in the UK.

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 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)

It's 1962. In search of a slice of La Dolce Vita, a middle-aged British man flies to Rome. But having learned just a single Italian phrase, his plans to live the high life soon begin to come unstuck.

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

See who dazzled on the red carpet and took home gold at the 78th Primetime Creative Emmy Awards.

Cosa Raccomanda Lei?

Photos

Top Cast3

User reviews3

Related interests

Storyline

Top picks

Details

Box office

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed