The Best of Zagreb Film: Laugh at Your Own Risk/For Children Only

Consisting of two hour-long compilations featuring a total of 16 animated short films from Zagreb Films (the landmark Croatian studio that has produced over 600 titles garnering over 400 international awards in the past five decades), this edition of The Best of Zagreb Film offers a mixed bag of treats. The minimalist animation style of these narration-less pieces, often backed by a quirky jazz soundtrack, have not always aged well--classics like "Largo" (about a man stranded on a desert island, harried by visitors) or "Krek" (a military parable about a soldier who daydreams of traveling around the world sampling babes, booze and cigs--ironically included in the "For Children Only" collection) that once seemed edgy now feel very dated. However, "Cow on the Moon" (about a young girl who tricks a local bully into believing the rocket she's built has taken him to the moon) is still as funny and fresh as when I first saw it 20 years ago. Optional. (R. Pitman)