User reviews

British 24 minute lasting animated film Lost and Found (2008), directed by Philip Hunt, has been voted audience's favourite in the 20th edition of Animafest, the World Festival of Animated Film, held in Zagreb, Croatia, over the first six days of June 2010, making it the only "absolute" winner of the festival. Namely, while all other awards were given within a particular category, award for the best film in competition according to the audience's votes has been cross-category voted, taking into consideration all animated short subjects shown in any of numerous competition, as well as overview programs of films produced between the application deadlines for the last two short-film editions of the festival (held in 2008 and 2010), including Grand Competition, Grand Panorama (quality films that haven't qualified for the Grand Competition), Student Competition, Student Panorama, and Films for Children competing in four different, age related categories, for 4-7 years, 7-10 years, 10-14 years and 14+ years old children.

As described in the festival's catalogue, film is "a magical tale of loneliness and friendship, based on the award-winning book by Oliver Jeffers. One day, a boy finds a penguin on his doorstep and decides to take it home - even if that means rowing all the way to the South Pole! ..." Not limited to the program it was presented with (Films for Children Competition 7-10 years old), this simple, yet enchanting story has immediately attracted my undivided attention, easily deserving my spectator's vote as well.

As if opposing its generated ambiance to its preexisting ambient, i.e. its emotionally moving, initially quiet, ultimately heartwarming tale vs. harsh, cold climate of Antarctica (main scene for its action), this animated short has been captivating audiences all over the world and winning awards ever since its Christmas 2008 release, following well in the footsteps of its inspirational picture book source, if not surpassing it. Among others, it has already received BAFTA (the British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Children's Award for Best Animation in 2009, and Children's Jury Award in Chicago International Children's Film Festival the same year, before winning the hearts of the international audience gathered at Animafest.

The computer animation is stylized, reduced and quiet, best serving the story. Although voice-over narration might appear superfluous, because the pictures already tell the story and transfer messages quite clearly, the turning-point notion on how "it's hard to say good-bye to someone who has become part of your life, specially if you haven't noticed it happening", communicated in narrator's (Jim Broadbent) calm and pleasant voice, remained echoing in my mind for a long while, as a reminiscent of this little gem I've been delighted to watch.

Only two reviews???...oh, my, god!!! There really isn't a lot to be said here other than the company is one of the very best in the world and should be doing feature films...they did an amazing job here on this (remember this is only about 16 individuals)… The soundtrack is wonderful...the design work and lighting is wonderful...the STORY is great (most important part) and they have a lot of kudos from me.

It was a very special Christmas that they put this film on because we had this and also the return of Wallace and Gromit. It may sound silly but this film really made the Christmas because it was so very good...when you see something of very high quality you tend to get a real buzz off it and this one had that.

This is literally the BEST movie I have ever watched. Recommended for ALL ages. The only downside is that there's no soundtrack. The best part of the whole movie. Apart from that, I have watched this numerous times. Maybe to many times.

Also just notifying you of, or if I ever use this website again, I am no one in particular.

I saw Lost and Found as an admirer of Jim Broadbent and as a fan of the source material and animation. And I found it truly magical, that was every bit as good as its source material if not better.

The animation was beautiful, it was never overdone but quiet yet atmospheric with crisp backgrounds and bold use of colour. The characters were convincing in design and movement too. The music had a nostalgic feel to it, and was also hypnotic without being obtrusive.

Another strong point was the story. It was a simple, but very touchingly told story, with one of the most heartwarming messages I have encountered in a film or short film in a while. The characters were so likable and engaging. Jim Broadbent's narration was soothing and just perfect.

In conclusion, a must see. 10/10 Bethany Cox

I only caught this little animated film by accident but was so glad I did. It's a joy to behold. The animation is brilliant and the story is told with great feeling by Jim Broadbent with lots of great advice woven into the story about acceptance of people from different backgrounds and not to judge on first impressions only. Then ending was just beautiful and turned me into an emotional wreck!

The background music was beautiful too.

This is one not to miss. I would recommend this for children and adults. This is one to watch over and over and should be on every year and is up there with The Snowman and Wallace and Gromit for quality and entertainment.

It is perhaps hard to see how anything is perfect, a 10/10, but I can't think of any other score for this. Based on a wonderful book this is stunningly animated, wonderfully scored, and skillfully narrated by the marvellous Jim Broadbent. This brought a year to my eye at times and I am a 41 year old. My kids love it, I may love it more!

Emotional rollercoaster, exploring senses of belonging and new found friendship. This animation truly does the book justice. Would recommend for all ages, I personally found myself enjoying this film when I first watched it as a young child and still finding this a very enjoyable watch now as an adult as I can further appreciate the themes and some of the beautiful imagery that is used. Dare I say my favourite animation of all time. Narration by Jim Broadbent is done perfectly and I struggle to think of someone that could have narrated much better. Furthermore the narration isn't overused and is brought in at the perfect times. This timing of spectacular narration accompanied by a soundtrack that captures and reflects each emotion flawlessly results is a short film that is audibly and visually an utter masterpiece with a well deserved BAFTA award to show for it.

Traveled to south pole on a small row boat for thousands miles? really? what's the point? friendship, i know. but not to justify a movie on this.