It is a short film and difficult to review without referring to the plot, but I don't believe I've given too much away although I did tick the spoiler alert box.
At first it seems like not much happens during this short movie; one almost expects more. But watch it again (and again). You'll pick up on the subtleties: the change in the characters' personas, the innocence of childhood (even in the face of impossible circumstances) and the parallelism between the kids and the mice: the strong will survive.
The actors are very good: much of the mood of the film comes from their facial expressions. But the real credit goes to the writer/director who manages to capture the bleak environment perfectly and yet creates a sense of hope for the future.
At first it seems like not much happens during this short movie; one almost expects more. But watch it again (and again). You'll pick up on the subtleties: the change in the characters' personas, the innocence of childhood (even in the face of impossible circumstances) and the parallelism between the kids and the mice: the strong will survive.
The actors are very good: much of the mood of the film comes from their facial expressions. But the real credit goes to the writer/director who manages to capture the bleak environment perfectly and yet creates a sense of hope for the future.