When the Day Breaks is a captivating animated short film that takes the viewer on a journey through a day in the life of a diverse cast of characters living in a bustling urban metropolis. Directed by Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis, the film seamlessly blends various animation techniques to create a unique and visually stunning aesthetic.
The story begins with a dramatic event - a pig's heart falling from a truck and bouncing onto the pavement. This small event triggers a chain of interconnected stories, each presented through a different character's perspective. We meet a taxi driver, a self-absorbed businessman, an elderly woman, a grocery store clerk, and a variety of other characters, all seemingly unaware of each other's existence.
As the film progresses, we are given glimpses into each character's life, their frustrations, and their innermost thoughts. Through these varied perspectives, we get a glimpse into the intricate web of relationships that bind these individuals together, despite their differences in age, race, and social class.
The film's animation style is a unique combination of hand-drawn and rotoscope animation, with a muted color palette and an emphasis on texture and movement. The result is a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly captures the frenetic energy of urban life. The animators deftly utilize sound and music to create an immersive audio experience that complements the visuals.
One of the most striking aspects of When the Day Breaks is its subtle commentary on the alienation and disconnection that can arise in modern urban life. Despite living in close proximity to one another, the characters in the film seem isolated and alone, each trapped in their own personal struggles. The film suggests that the trivial moments we encounter in our daily lives can have a profound impact on our sense of connection and belonging.
At its core, When the Day Breaks is a meditation on the beauty and fragility of life, and the power of small moments to transform our understanding of the world around us. It is a visual masterpiece, and a testament to the power of animation as a storytelling medium.
When the Day Breaks is a 1999 animated movie with a runtime of 9 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.
