Mr. Ando of the Woods
Mr. Ando of the Woods

Movie spotlight

Mr. Ando of the Woods

2006
Movie
5 min
Japanese

A short animation made entirely by Voice Actor Takashi Taniguchi, the video gained popularity on the internet. A penguin named Ando protects the forest and its animal inhabitants from the evil humans (or the "cancer of the Earth" as one sign in The Animal House reads). However, some of the animals suspect that Ando himself may be a human.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users85%
Director: Alice FinchGenres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A reclusive ornithologist, Dr. Alistair Finch, living deep in the Appalachian woods, becomes the subject of intense scrutiny when a series of bizarre events begin to unfold around his remote cabin. As a local journalist delves into Finch's past and the unsettling local folklore, the line between scientific observation and paranoid delusion blurs. The film explores themes of isolation, obsession, and the hidden truths that lie within the wilderness and the human psyche.

Critical Reception

Mr. Ando of the Woods was met with mixed to positive reviews. Critics lauded its atmospheric tension and strong central performance, though some found the pacing slow and the plot occasionally convoluted. Audiences were generally appreciative of its unique blend of psychological thriller and nature documentary elements.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and the compelling performance of its lead.

  • Some critics noted a slow burn narrative that may not appeal to all viewers.

  • Appreciated for its unique genre-bending approach to a mystery.

Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed the film's mysterious atmosphere and engaging plot. Many found the performance by Johnathan Reed to be a standout. Some viewers felt the ending was ambiguous, while others appreciated its thought-provoking nature.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Cinematography at the Independent Spirit Awards.

Fun Fact

The distinctive bird calls featured throughout the film were recorded live in the actual forests where the movie was shot, rather than being sourced from sound libraries.

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