Two Brothers Against The World In Toke Madsen’s Bittersweet Student Film ‘Mano’

Denmark’s The Animation Workshop is releasing new student shorts over the coming weeks, and among the most distinctive efforts we’ve seen is Toke Madsen’s film Mano, which debuted online today.

Set almost entirely inside a small, under-furnished apartment, the cg short tells the stories of two brothers who seem to have little more in the world than the bond they share. Their mother clearly has no maternal instincts and would rather not be bothered by her sons, even for basic things like groceries.

Inspired by the rumbling stomach of his younger brother, and bravely ignoring his own hunger, the elder boy digs through the pockets of his mother’s latest suitor looking for some cash to help him and his younger brother. Caught in the act, the defiant young man stands up for himself while making sure that his brother doesn’t get into any trouble of his own.

The brothers’ faces and stoic posture tell as much or more of the story than any dialogue or movement in the film and the character animators deserve a great deal of credit for that. The story’s narrative is neatly delivered and makes expert use of Mano’s brief seven-minute run time. Madsen and his team show a deft hand when it comes to pacing.