The Gulf (2014)

Very disappointing...

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

The message. the animation. the fight against nature. the hope. and the impecable animation. all - as part of a small gem. because "Le gooffre" gives almost the status of witness for the viewer. you feel the air and feel the wood and admire the work of the two men. and the emotion is out of any description. it is one films for you wish to thank to the makers. because all is admirable. and touching. and heroic. so, a real admirable work.

"Le Gouffre" is a short animated French film that is amazing in some ways and could use some more work in others. However, most importantly, if left me wanting to see more from the team responsible for making it!It's important to point out that the story is told without words--so don't worry about having to read subtitles. It begins with two men coming to a huge gorge with no bridge to cross it. Through the course of the film, the pair begin constructing a bridge and with some help from the locals it looks like they might just be able to cross after all.The story is extremely simple. But the film really impressed me with its cinematic qualities. The music is by far the best thing about the film. It fits perfectly and really gets your blood pounding. The background CGI is also very nice and the film looks amazing. However, my reason for scoring it with only a 6 is that the rendering of the figures isn't great and looks dated and a bit creepy even though the film is new. Animating realistic humans using computers is NOT easy. This, however, can be overcome with experience and better software. Combine improving this with the great style and I really think these folks are headed on the right path.

The story itself is compelling and has a message that will appeal to the broadest audience of pretty much anyone in the world. Also of great interest to many will be the behind the scenes story about the story and the making of this unusual independent film by first time production group. The creative energy and artistic vision in this film is nothing less than phenomenal. It will grab your attention from head to toe with exciting action, touch your heart with dramatic impact, and make you think with deep insight of what real courage means and how people pull together in adversity. When is the last time you saw a film that did all of that, all at the same time, all in about 10 minutes? Most notable is the musical soundtrack! This is the most inspiring film score there is to hear today. Definitely put on your headphones or turn up the big speakers for this one.

Beautifully produced animation with naturalistic human movements and incredibly detailed landscape. As a crowd funded project from a small independent studio it is an outstanding achievement.Moving and inspiring, it tells the story of two young traveller's attempt to cross a deep impassable gorge and the way they become involved with local community.The end of the story line is really touching, emotionally charged and surprising. There is only a tiny amount of dialogue and so the music is an extremely important part of the story telling. The score, by UK based Dan & Deryn Cullen, captures the atmosphere of the story line and drives the emotional content brilliantly.In particular Deryn Cullen's cello playing throughout the score is emotionally charged but subtle, never intrusive and especially touching during the closing credits.