Like the majority of Trnka's work, the characters within "Story of the Bass Cello" are easily accessible. In this case, they are quirky, vulnerable, and honest.
I greatly enjoy Trnka's ability to simply and clearly communicate many instances of embarrassment with an economy of motion. The tale is so sharp, funny, and simple. The music is great.
The clean puppet designs and detailed costumes are classic Trnka. People often refer to him as the Walt Disney of the Czech Republic, but I think that does his work an injustice. Most of Trnka's work is clean enough for kids, but comfortably walks in a realm that will entertain children and adults. The look of his puppet animation is vastly different than anything Disney produced.
...great animation, great music, great fun!
This animation can be found within the American released "The Puppet Films of Jiri Trnka" DVD.
