17 reviews
A step in the right direction
- MissSimonetta
- Oct 18, 2016
- Permalink
Gorgeous and heartbreaking piece of work. Superb!
I just saw this around the internet and was like "It's worth a try" and oh god... it is! This might the most majestic short movie I've seen so far. It went to questions to answers, to even more answers. It's also a bit heartbreaking, but in a good way. This movie is so good that it actually felt like a long decent movie.
I was really impressed they chose Gustavo Santaolalla's soundtracks in this because his soundtracks is pretty good and fitting for this.
If I had to describe this movie in few words then it would be "Shot through the heart", if you don't know what I mean by that, so do I mean it as This gave feels, so hardcore that my heart was hurting.
I was really impressed they chose Gustavo Santaolalla's soundtracks in this because his soundtracks is pretty good and fitting for this.
If I had to describe this movie in few words then it would be "Shot through the heart", if you don't know what I mean by that, so do I mean it as This gave feels, so hardcore that my heart was hurting.
- LopousIMDb
- Oct 18, 2016
- Permalink
Very simple and mildly interesting.
The story is very, very simple
too simple. An older man returns to the place of a tragedy back in the old west and he recalls exactly what happened. He then contemplates killing himself. He nearly does but the sight of an old pocket watch inexplicably saves him. That animation for this film by Andrew Coates and Lou Hamou-Lhadj is probably the best quality about this short film. I am not saying it's extraordinary
in fact it's nice but nothing more. In fact this is my overall feeling
.this is not a bad film by any stretch but I am confused why it was nominated. The story needed to be fleshed out more and it all seemed too short and too routine to have been included on this list of best animated shorts.
Of all the nominees this year, it's a rather sub-par lot. Considering how much better "Piper" is than the competition, I would be extremely surprised if "Borrowed Time" took home the Oscar.
Of all the nominees this year, it's a rather sub-par lot. Considering how much better "Piper" is than the competition, I would be extremely surprised if "Borrowed Time" took home the Oscar.
- planktonrules
- Feb 18, 2017
- Permalink
Great
I thought this was the best of the Oscar nominated animated shorts from the 2017 ceremony. It used Western tropes brilliantly in this sad father and son tale. It tugs at the heartstrings and has gorgeous texture.
We Feel the Pain
A sheriff is on he brink of suicide. It is the old West and he recalls a horrible accident and his part in the sad ending. We see in flashback the events surrounding the accident and the intense guilt felt by the protagonist. This is sad and moving for such a short film. We are left on the edges of our seats as the decision is made.
Facing the Past
An aging sheriff haunted by his youth decides to take drastic measures. With every pace, every step forward memories of yore bring back the joys and pains. As he gets to the precipice a swift turn of events leads to terror and a revelation that changes his life forever. Well animated and moving as well as touching this nugget of a short packs enough mental and emotional wallop to cover a full-length film. A must see.
- Screen_O_Genic
- Aug 30, 2020
- Permalink
heartbreakingly powerful short film
Without using any words, this brief and heartbreaking drama tells the story of a depressed sheriff ready to commit suicide, and proceeds to visually explain his reasoning. This is not at all your standard animated short or western in any sense of the word, it is easily among the saddest films to come out this year. It is a heartbreaking and emotionally draining near masterpiece of animation that, at only 7 minutes, is far more memorable than many films more than 10 times as long.
Not to mention, the animation is beautiful and visually stunning, although I must awkwardly admit that it was pretty messed up seeing such a demented and depressing film that looked like a family friendly Pixar movie.
Not to mention, the animation is beautiful and visually stunning, although I must awkwardly admit that it was pretty messed up seeing such a demented and depressing film that looked like a family friendly Pixar movie.
- framptonhollis
- Feb 12, 2017
- Permalink
Very breathtakingly sad
I watched this short film and it was super good but so hard to watch. I am a very emotional movie watcher and it was extremely depressing at times. Overall, I really liked it but because it was so sad I give it a 9 out of 10.
- cathyhoogeboom
- Sep 3, 2020
- Permalink
Not impressive on its own, but...
This short was alright. It didn't have nearly the complexity of other Pixar shorts, like Piper or Feast, that really engage the viewer and bring a lot of different emotions in a short amount of time. Perhaps this was on purpose, and went for more of a juxtaposition of pacing rather than of character development or emotional depth. And of course, the motif of using a pocket watch in this way is already vastly overused and cliché.
Nevertheless, this short could represent something for Pixar in the future, as they continually diversify their intended audience and expand the usage of computer animation. It pushes the ratings in a way that doesn't bask in edgier content for edginess' sake, and that's commendable because it means future efforts will have earned open arms, even if this effort itself is comparatively unimpressive. As another reviewer commented, it's "a step in the right direction."
Nevertheless, this short could represent something for Pixar in the future, as they continually diversify their intended audience and expand the usage of computer animation. It pushes the ratings in a way that doesn't bask in edgier content for edginess' sake, and that's commendable because it means future efforts will have earned open arms, even if this effort itself is comparatively unimpressive. As another reviewer commented, it's "a step in the right direction."
- SureCommaNot
- Oct 22, 2016
- Permalink
Journey to the past
Absolutely love animation, with intended appreciation for all decades and styles, have done since pre school and always will do. People reading my reviews will probably have tired of me talking about having a lot of admiration for anything that revolves around mature and personal themes, which has been a major pattern for some time now, and having interesting characters worth relating to or easy to connect with, but the latter especially is very important to me.
Loved 'Borrowed Time's' concept and it really did sound like one of those animations that would emotionally connect with me on a personal level. Seeing it, it didn't disappoint in this regard. While not one of my favourite animations or one of the ones grown up with, 'Borrowed Time' is still an exceptionally done effort and a must for anybody who loves deep themes handled well, beautiful atmosphere and well written characters.
There is next to nothing to find fault with, but if there was a quibble it would be that the structure is quite slight.
However, everything else is wonderfully done. First and foremost, the visuals are absolutely exquisite. The beautifully textured details in the backgrounds particularly stand out, as do the beautifully varied and atmospheric colours. Also of exceptionally high quality is the music, which is full of atmosphere and beautifully used in a retrospective and poignant way.
'Borrowed Time' also succeeds in having an interesting lead character that is easy to root and feel for in a difficult and heart-wrenching situation. The writing is thought probing and honest, and absolutely loved how 'Borrowed Time' handled one of the deepest and most relatable themes/subjects seen in any animation seen recently with such touching sincerity and intelligence. Standing out in this regard is the edge of the seat and emotionally powerful conclusion.
Overall, wonderful. 9/10.
Loved 'Borrowed Time's' concept and it really did sound like one of those animations that would emotionally connect with me on a personal level. Seeing it, it didn't disappoint in this regard. While not one of my favourite animations or one of the ones grown up with, 'Borrowed Time' is still an exceptionally done effort and a must for anybody who loves deep themes handled well, beautiful atmosphere and well written characters.
There is next to nothing to find fault with, but if there was a quibble it would be that the structure is quite slight.
However, everything else is wonderfully done. First and foremost, the visuals are absolutely exquisite. The beautifully textured details in the backgrounds particularly stand out, as do the beautifully varied and atmospheric colours. Also of exceptionally high quality is the music, which is full of atmosphere and beautifully used in a retrospective and poignant way.
'Borrowed Time' also succeeds in having an interesting lead character that is easy to root and feel for in a difficult and heart-wrenching situation. The writing is thought probing and honest, and absolutely loved how 'Borrowed Time' handled one of the deepest and most relatable themes/subjects seen in any animation seen recently with such touching sincerity and intelligence. Standing out in this regard is the edge of the seat and emotionally powerful conclusion.
Overall, wonderful. 9/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Oct 20, 2022
- Permalink
Okay little western animation
- Horst_In_Translation
- Oct 23, 2016
- Permalink
Forgive the past, if it was that simple.
The short movie takes you to beginning and end of one's life story forth and back. What would happen if you could have done otherwise, could you forgive yourself today? The intriguing start, ends with dejection leaving the main character in utter desolation. Pixar enters into an untouched arena with this, which could be termed as "dark". Borrowed Time tells a short tale about Relationship, past deed, power to undo, forgiveness, memories, it combines all of them and present it to you. Leaving the viewer to decide whether what happened was correct, incorrect or uncontrollable. It also reminds of the goodness some people leave behind. This one definitely is worth your time.
- siddharthkrishnadwivedi
- Oct 17, 2016
- Permalink
Beautiful and thought-provoking.
During my free time of scrolling through tons of tedious shared Facebook posts, I saw several companies share out their thoughts about this short film. They said it was made by 2 Pixar animators and has some very adult themes in it. I'm a fan of short films, deep themes and Pixar, so I checked it out on Vimeo.
I was very glad I did.
The story is about a cowboy haunted by his past. Saying anything more would give the entire plot away.
The animation, as usual from Pixar, is flat-out gorgeous, and the music fits very well with the tone. But most impressive of all is its ambition. This is Pixar(ish) at its darkest, and the thoughts, feelings, images and delivery is gritty and portrays a realistic sense of gloom. The ending isn't happy, and nothing was really resolved, but was beautifully presented and emotionally wrenching, and will leave you thinking deeply. This is a beautiful story of grief, the past, our will to live, and forgiveness.
Well worth watching!
9/10
I was very glad I did.
The story is about a cowboy haunted by his past. Saying anything more would give the entire plot away.
The animation, as usual from Pixar, is flat-out gorgeous, and the music fits very well with the tone. But most impressive of all is its ambition. This is Pixar(ish) at its darkest, and the thoughts, feelings, images and delivery is gritty and portrays a realistic sense of gloom. The ending isn't happy, and nothing was really resolved, but was beautifully presented and emotionally wrenching, and will leave you thinking deeply. This is a beautiful story of grief, the past, our will to live, and forgiveness.
Well worth watching!
9/10
- RockoDaFoxxo
- Oct 23, 2016
- Permalink
The best animated short I've ever seen
Holy crap! At less than six minutes long, this short picture managed to make me cry more than any other Pixar film out there.
I've never seen such intense realism in an animated film. The themes are extremely adult, featuring some graphic violence, leaving a very big emotional impact.
You would never believe Pixar would go so dark and bleak as it does here, but there have been hints of it in several of their feature films. The first fifteen minutes of Up, the toys accepting their death in Toy Story 3 and the death of Nemo's mother and siblings in Finding Nemo.
See the film for yourself online. I can definitely say it deserves an Oscar.
I've never seen such intense realism in an animated film. The themes are extremely adult, featuring some graphic violence, leaving a very big emotional impact.
You would never believe Pixar would go so dark and bleak as it does here, but there have been hints of it in several of their feature films. The first fifteen minutes of Up, the toys accepting their death in Toy Story 3 and the death of Nemo's mother and siblings in Finding Nemo.
See the film for yourself online. I can definitely say it deserves an Oscar.
- Avwillfan89
- Oct 22, 2016
- Permalink
A Very Underrated Short Film
Despite being a Pixar fan, I had not even heard of this short until today. I'm not even sure where to begin because there is so much to write about despite the five minute runtime. The story is shockingly dark for Pixar. While the studios mainstream films are emotional and mature, they usually keep from being extremely dark because they are still family movies. Here, they went all out, producing something heart wrenching and very raw. This story creates such intense emotions in only a few minutes, a level of connection that some full length movies never achieve with the viewer. Don't just take my word, find the film somewhere online like YouTube.
- walt-54085
- Feb 20, 2024
- Permalink
Excellent Animated Short
Borrowed Time (2015)
**** (out of 4)
A worn-down Sheriff returns to the scene of an event that helped shape who he became as a man.
That's pretty much the only plot you need to know about this wonderful animated movie, which picked up an Oscar-nomination for Best Animation Short. If you're a fan of Westerns or of animation then you'll certainly want to check out this seven-minute picture because it's certainly something special. The animation is excellent as you'd expect but where the film really succeeds is with its story. I'm not going to ruin what happens but it's an excellent drama and really packs an emotional punch. It's rare that I feel this connected to an animation piece but it certainly ranks right up there with the best of Pixar or Disney.
**** (out of 4)
A worn-down Sheriff returns to the scene of an event that helped shape who he became as a man.
That's pretty much the only plot you need to know about this wonderful animated movie, which picked up an Oscar-nomination for Best Animation Short. If you're a fan of Westerns or of animation then you'll certainly want to check out this seven-minute picture because it's certainly something special. The animation is excellent as you'd expect but where the film really succeeds is with its story. I'm not going to ruin what happens but it's an excellent drama and really packs an emotional punch. It's rare that I feel this connected to an animation piece but it certainly ranks right up there with the best of Pixar or Disney.
- Michael_Elliott
- Feb 25, 2017
- Permalink
a story from past
one of the most touching animations from the last years. because its desire is not to impress or seduce or change perspectives. but only be a mirror. about the relation of every viewer with the delicate moments/choices/decisions of the past. sure, it is easy to admire the graphic and the details, the realism or the atmosphere. but entire film is reduced at one scene. like a bridge between a tragic gesture and a sad present. it is a dark film but not it is the most important trait. it is an useful film. who, like Blind Vaysha, propose a profound reflection, in the skin of parable and not a show. and its importance could be the beginning of a trend. one who change the common expectations from animation.
- Kirpianuscus
- Mar 3, 2017
- Permalink