The Battle of Kerzhenets is wonderfully done and remarkable in how much power and emotional resonance it has for a ten minute short. In a way it is true that some knowledge of Russian history will help in getting the grasp of the story The Battle of Kerzhenets is telling. But at the same time it isn't hugely vital because there is so much to make you admire The Battle of Kerzhenets regardless of that, if you want a personal opinion some research would prove very useful even if it's the basic gist. The animation is really striking, the somewhat expressionistic style gives a haunting edge, everything moves with great fluidity, the attention to detail is fantastic and the stoic character designs and their facial expressions fit very well within the style. The music, in unmistakably Rimsky Korsakov fashion, is stirring, tense and affecting in equal measure, merging beautifully with the animation. The story is interesting, told without dialogue and entirely through images, with a powerful climatic battle and a good deal of emotional resonance, whether you know anything about the event or not. In conclusion, remarkable animated short film, a must see in my opinion. 10/10 Bethany Cox
