User Reviews

Director Paul Fierlinger's life story is so extraordinary that for years people told him he should write a book. "Well of course, since I don't write," says Fierlinger, the animator who created the Teeny Little Superguy on Sesame Street, "I realized that I could only tell my story through my art-which is animation." Fierlinger, the son of a Czech diplomat, was born in Japan. The Fierlingers were on their home back to Czechoslovakia when they learned that Hitler had invaded their country. Fierlinger spent World War II in America in a series of foster homes. After the war, his family returned to Czechoslovakia and, speaking only Japanese and English, Fierlinger entered a prestigious Czech school. Although his classmates included Milos Forman and Czech president Vaclav Havel, Fierlinger became the quintessential foreigner within. He dreamed of an idyllic America and resented his privileged life as the son of a member of Czechoslovakia's ruling Communist elite. In 1967, before Soviet tanks rolled into Czechoslovakia, he made a daring escape.

Introduction: An autobiography of Paul Fierlinger, and his extraordinary, and often forgotten life story. And easily the best thing with his name on it. As we venture through the man's memories and experiences.

Now, many don't know who Paul Fierlinger is. But, let me explain. Fierlinger is a animator, director and writer. Who has made many animated films and helped in making some episodes of Sesame Street. And Drawn from Memory is one of the best animated films ever made, and an underrated masterpiece.

The Story: This story has so many little details that I love, and it's honestly such an interesting story, that Fierlinger should honestly write a book about this. To start, the story of Fierlinger starts when he was born in Japan. And later, moving to the United States after the start of the Second World War. As he talks about his personal experiences, both real and false memories.

One detail in the beginning that I love, is when he was raised in Japan, and he remembered seeing a volcano eruption. However, he was later told it never happened. As at the time, he was an infant. Which is just a detail I love, because as an infant, you create false memories. And other details like that are just great.

Also, we see his life, as he goes from living in Japan, to fleeing to the United States. Then going to Czechoslovakia, having trouble speaking the language, going to boarding schools, failing grades, and problems with his parents. Even try to escape the country, as we see him grow to hate his parents and nation.

The film's also very short, only being 55 minutes. And the film doesn't need to be longer to tell this incredible story. I don't want to tell you the details of the story, as I want you to see it for yourself.

The Animation: The animation style of the film is very unique and unlike any other film. Looking like this kind of abstract style, that really departs it from other films. And gives the film a distinct feel. Long story short, the animation is simply incredible.

The film's look is simply beautiful. And I love the way the film shifts color. When we see it from his eyes as an infant, it's in this black and white style. And as the memories become more clear, the film's color quality improves. And I just love the stylistic choices in this film.

Conclusion: At this point, the film only has 31 votes, and one review. And I think more people need to watch this film. This should be an essential biography film. And a great piece of art and cinema.

Drawn from Memory is pretty much a perfect movie. And more than deserving of it's, at this point, 8.6/10 rating.