"Kiwi!" Film Review

In life, many people spend their lives working towards their dreams, no matter how big or small. In the short film “Kiwi!” directed and written by Dony Permedi, we see just that in both a cute and meaningful way, showcasing how far someone will go in order to achieve their dream.

In “Kiwi!”, we follow the story of a nameless kiwi, a flightless bird that’s normally native to New Zealand, who works towards his one, overriding ambition and dream that he’s been at work for his whole life. While the story may be small, it’s all that needs to be said about the film, and any other details revealed about the film would only ruin it to those who have yet to experience this film.

Visually, the film is a simplistic-looking 3D animated picture, featuring very basic shapes, colors, and textures for the kiwi, its environment, and background. This visual style gives the film the feeling of a short cartoon that would be seen on television today on networks more geared towards children. To the film's credit, however, this style of animation actually works out for the better, as the cheerful and bright visuals helps balance out the powerful message with a charming look and feel, while also showcasing the message the film is trying to get across to the viewer in an adult manner.

With the visuals of this film in mind, sound direction is also kept very simple. The music track played in the background, played by Tim Cassel, is a single trombone that plays a simple, but very catchy, tune. Like the music, many of the sound effects used are basic; however this is never a bad thing. The simplicity of the film is what makes it work over all else, and the film knows this.

The kiwi's cartoon-like appearance and behavior is simple. The character’s movements and actions are all basic, and are never overdone. This in turn actually helps in connecting to the kiwi even more, as his limited characteristics actually brings out what we want to see in the character. When you see the kiwi jump up and clap his feet in happiness, or wipe his face with his foot after some hard labor, you want to connect with him. Had the kiwi been more realistic, the film would have lost its balance of visual continuity, and would have ruined the film.

With everything all said and done, the film is one that should be seen. It’s visuals and sound design, as well as its story, are all big factors that help largely make up what “Kiwi!” is as a film. By the end of the film, you’ll be left with nothing but sadness and satisfaction.