Film Name: 冰雪大作战 / Snowtime! / La guerre des tuques 3D
This marks the first time a Canadian animated film has been released domestically. The character designs and color palette, reminiscent of a picture book, remind us that this work originates from a distant land, and that we cannot judge it by the standards of a typical commercial blockbuster.
The film artificially constructs a war conflict where none exists. Much like that castle built in the snow—rising from the ground without any deep foundations. It also excavates a moving hero where none exists—that simple, big dog—perhaps to suggest a cost to the child’s growth. Yet this cost feels contrived, as it isn’t an inevitable, unavoidable outcome.
The scene where the protagonist stands at his father’s grave, holding his mother’s hand, is deeply memorable. Equally heartbreaking is the shot of him alone on the barn’s second floor, curled up and staring at his father’s photograph. As the descendant of a soldier, military blood runs through his veins, explaining his fascination with war games. Yet he is also an orphan, emotionally withdrawn. His assault on the ice castle is, in essence, a charge against a fortress of emotional resilience.
In this battle, each child embodies distinct traits. Some were the muscle, others the brains; some were the dramatic exaggerators, while others remained neutral, content in solitude. There were twins whose humorous lack of coordination made them inseparable companions, sisters who bickered yet understood each other, and of course, the subtle, mutual attraction between the male and female protagonists. This was not a simple children’s world, but a miniature society.
We must note that this snowy village is devoid of adults—parents and teachers are almost entirely absent. Thus, the shaping of this miniature society involves not only interpersonal dynamics but also its physical environment. Against a backdrop of pure white snow, any color stands out vividly. Among a group of children, every emotion becomes intensely pure.
Ultimately, the film unfolds like a dream narrative. The father’s sacrifice is itself a dream. When the dream ends, the war concludes, the castle crumbles, and joy returns to the children. Only the big dog remains, lingering in the dream like the father himself.
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