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5.8/10
Archivist John
Senior Editor
A definitive 5.8/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Der scheintote Chinese remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Alright, if you're looking for something that moves at a breakneck pace with big explosions and a lot of snappy dialogue, Der scheintote Chinese probably isn't for you. But if you've got even a speck of curiosity about where animation began, or you just appreciate really unique visual storytelling, then yes, this is absolutely worth finding. It’s a quiet little gem, something almost forgotten, but it hums with a delightful kind of energy.
This is a Lotte Reiniger film, which means we’re talking about intricate silhouette animation. Think shadow puppets, but impossibly fluid and detailed. Every character, every tree, every little teapot is a paper cutout, brought to life frame by painstaking frame. It’s a visual feast, honestly. You just don't see things made like this anymore. It feels like watching a moving tapestry.
The story itself is quite simple, almost fable-like. A man, Ping Pong, gets a fancy bottle of booze from the Emperor. He drinks it, chokes on a fish bone, and everyone assumes he's kicked the bucket. What happens next is just wonderful. The whole city just goes into a complete panic, trying to figure out who's going to take the blame for this. It's like a domino effect of 'not me!' 😅
You see the characters, all these elegant dark shapes, darting around. The Emperor's advisors are practically tripping over themselves to avoid responsibility. The way they gesture and move, it's so expressive even without words. Reiniger had such a knack for conveying emotion through simple, elegant poses.
There's a moment when Ping Pong is just *lying there*, perfectly still, and the other figures hover around him, their silhouettes conveying such exaggerated alarm. It's almost comical how seriously they take this. A fish bone! Can you imagine? It feels so human, that immediate instinct to deflect blame.
The intricate detail in some of the smaller figures, like the patterns on their clothes or the tiny expressions on their faces (even in silhouette), really sticks with you. It’s easy to overlook, but then you catch a glimpse and realize just how much care went into each cut. It makes you think about the sheer dedication, you know?
It's not a long film, but it packs a punch with its charm and wit. There’s a quiet humor running through the whole thing, a sort of gentle nudge at human nature. The resolution, when it comes, is pretty clever too, tying everything up in a neat, unexpected bow.
If you've ever seen Daring Deeds or any other early animation, this one stands out. It's not just a historical curiosity; it's genuinely enjoyable to watch. It's a testament to the power of imagination and patience, making something so vibrant from just paper and light. Give it a shot if you want to see something truly different and quite lovely. ✨
IMDb —
1914
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