The Heron and the Crane

This was amazing to see on the big screen... It's made from paper cut-outs!!!!! Yuri Norstein takes cut-outs to a new level...
He talked about how each movie he makes is autobiographical and described a scenario with his mother-in-law which inspired the scene with the umbrella. Apparently, things were getting tense when his mother-in-law was staying in his home, she left in a huff, only to return by train the next day. He saw her when he was out by the train station in the pouring rain and offered her his umbrella. Later at home it came out that she had no idea who had offered it to her.

I love this animation because it reminds me of the times in my life when I have had incredible opportunities... but they came when I wasn't mentally ready and I tragically missed out. When I realized what happened, it was too late! I always tell myself to accept opportunities when they come because I want to correct this tendency, but it happens far too often still :-( Work, relationships, it happens to me all the time!!! It's usually pride that gets in my way.
You will see a perfect example in 'The Heron and the Crane".
Yuri talked about how fairy tales can be quite serious, and I think you will agree when you see this beautiful short film...