The Stressful Adventures Of Boxhead And Roundhead - Brothers In Arms

This five-minute animation tells the story of what happens when the two strange creatures of the title witness, and become part of, a war in their backyard.

Starting with a single bomb that falls at the bottom of the towering hill their simple house teeters upon, the war escalates into something more frightening and all encompassing, with war generals five times the size of them stomping between beautifully animated explosions and alternating machine gun and canon fire.

Although it’s unique and the animation style interesting and effective in conveying its subject matter, there doesn’t seem to be quite enough substance to sustain the running time. Strong imagery peppered throughout does not a story make. The emotive ending therefore feels somewhat dampened and non-affecting. It’s clearly a product of a talented imagination, but it’s one that needs a direction and focus.