If you want to know the history of cinema better, this article is for you! Collected the best short films that took home the coveted Oscar in the last few years
Even though the Academy Awards are still a while away, it’s never too early to watch movies (we hope you love them as much as we do). And today we have a special selection of movies – they’re all short films. Yes, yes, especially for those who don’t like to stare at the screen for long periods of time and think about when it’s going to end.
Short films by Wes Anderson, Tom Berkeley, Aneil Kariya and other directors are definitely worth watching at least once in your life. At the very least, it will add to your movie knowledge. And then you can brag about your knowledge at social gatherings. Hurry up and read the selection
The marvelous story of Henry Sugar
Story. One day Henry Sugar gets his hands on an unusual book that changes his life. Through it, he learns the story of a man who can see without the aid of his eyes. Sugar is inspired by it and decides that he needs to learn this technique, because it can help him in card games. For three years and three months, the hero learns to see without his eyes. His goal is achieved – the skill is obtained. But what is most interesting: how exactly and for what purpose will Henry use it?
Why is it worth watching? Is there anyone here who doesn’t love Wes Anderson? Everyone (hopefully) loves him, and that’s the biggest reason to watch. But seriously, the plot is really exciting and it will definitely win your heart.
Irish farewell
Story. Thurlow McCaffrey arrives at his mother’s funeral. He realizes that he needs to care for his brother Lorcan, who has Down’s syndrome. Thurlow decides that his brother should move in with his aunt on the other side of Ireland, but suddenly a wish list of all the wishes that belonged to their late mother falls into their hands. Lorcan agrees to move only after they realize all the unfulfilled wishes together.
Why it’s worth watching. The brothers’ sincere love, the beautiful and picturesque views of Northern Ireland, the vivid acting – you’ll find it all in this movie.
A long goodbye
Story. A British South Asian family is spending an ordinary evening in their home. During this time, there is a report on TV about a march of right-wing radicals that will reach the family’s home in a couple minutes. Let’s not spoiler further, it’s better to watch it all by yourself.
Why it’s worth watching. In 11 minutes, Aneil Kariya shows how quickly (literally in a few seconds) our ordinary and quiet life can change. The final scene of the movie is very strong and frightening.
Two distant strangers
Story. Carter James, an artist, is trying to get home to his dog, but finds himself in a time loop. He encounters police officer Merck time after time. Each of their encounters ends with Carter being killed, and then he wakes up in his girlfriend’s bed again. After 99 deaths, Carter decides to talk to the police officer about the time loop. He tries to prove to Merc that this situation happens to him every day. Will the main character manage to get out of the time trap?
Why is it worth watching? The movie raises serious problems: fatalism and the social status of African-Americans in the United States. And of course, it has a very interesting plot (if you like the concept of the movie “Groundhog Day”, you will like this one too).
The window opposite
Plot. In front of us is a married couple. The wife is tired of dealing with three small children, the husband is constantly busy with work, they do not have enough time for themselves and each other. One evening they notice in the windows of a neighboring building a young and passionate couple. They throw parties, sleep until dinner and seem to be living their best life. Looking into their everyday life becomes a habit of the main character. But then a terrible situation happens, which makes the heroine realize that the neighbors do not have everything so rosy.
Why it is worth watching? “Not all that gold that glitters” – this short film epitomizes this very saying. The movie shows how we don’t appreciate what we already have. Our illusions and hunches can kill real life.
The Dumb Child
Story. Since birth, four-year-old deaf Libby has lived in a world of silence. No one, including her parents, has ever even tried to communicate with her and help her integrate into society. One day, a social worker, Joanna, comes into her life and teaches Libby British Sign Language and has fun with her.
Why it’s worth watching. The movie is set in sign language. Rachel Shenton (she plays Joanna) wrote the script based on her own experience: when Shenton was a teenager, her father lost his hearing. Macy Sly, who plays the role of Libby, is also deaf.
Glee
Story. Sofia is transferred to a new educational institution, the hallmark of which is a children’s choir that has won the title of the best in the country. The girl dreams of singing with other guys, but the teacher asks her to just open her mouth to the music, but not to tell anyone about it. In time, the protagonist learns that she is not the only one who was asked to fake singing: the other participants also only pretend to be performers. What will the kids do next? Will they pretend or will they tell the truth?
Why watch it? The movie vividly shows the clash of two worldviews, the struggle of which is fascinating to watch. We don’t want to spoiler, but the short film is really worth watching.
The Letter Room
Story. Prison warden Richard gets a promotion and becomes the head of the communications department. It is now his responsibility to read all the prisoners’ letters. He gets involved in the tragedies and personal lives of those who are serving time, and feels like an unwitting participant in other people’s fates.
Why it’s worth watching. Oddly enough, the movie has a lightness to it that is rarely seen in prison movies. After watching it, you’ll definitely have something to think about. And by the way, the main role in the movie is played by Oscar Isaac (which can’t help but make you happy).
Two cars, one night
The plot. One night, three children – two boys and a girl – meet in a parking lot. They are waiting for their parents from a bar. After a while, out of boredom, they start pestering each other, and this strange spontaneous contact soon develops into a short but bright friendship.
Why it’s worth watching. The plot may seem uncomplicated, but the atmosphere, sincerity and naivety are what this movie is made for. The movie shows the adult world through the eyes of children, who tend to imitate their parents.
The mystery of Wurman
Plot. Psychiatrist Williams has an unusual patient – a prison inmate Wurman, who imagines himself a god. The doctor wants to bring him out into the open and offers Wurman to test his abilities. The prisoner then says that he will destroy Belgium as proof that he is a god. At home, a strange situation happens to the psychiatrist, which makes him question the reality of what is happening.
Why it’s worth watching. At first the movie will seem strange, but the ending will definitely surprise you. And the brilliant cast in the form of Tom Hollander and Martin Freeman is a real decoration of the short film.
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