After working on it for three years, the Chinese animator known as Jokelate recently released a 16 minute computer graphics (CG) animation film that has become a massive online viral success and a source of pride for many in the local Chinese animation industry. The anti-war themed animation titled See Through, follows the story of two world leaders who use playing cards as metaphors for soldiers, tanks, and other weapons to engage in a never-ending globe-spanning battle. Two opposing combatants end up stranded on a deserted island in the middle of the war and develop a friendship that supersedes the absurdity of the war they were put into to.
The environment and circumstances in which the film was made are not what you would typically expect – they truly reflect the determination and idealistic dreams of young Chinese creatives. While studying medicine in Chengdu, Jokelate began studying computer graphics and animation during his third year of college. Working briefly for an advertising company after graduation, Jokelate quit to pursue his dream of becoming an “original animator.” Around this time, his father passed away and his mother was surviving off her measly retirement fund. The following three years were difficult for Jokelate and his mother – they lived in a run-down apartment, only ate cheap vegetables, never bought new clothes and stayed within 40 km of his house. Even going to the local Internet cafe to play video games was too expensive. (Jokelate also just considered it a distraction from his animation work.)
After three years of solitary work on See Through, the animation has created quite a stir online. Many commentators have declared the original work a symbol of pride for the Chinese animation industry. However, there is currently still a vigorous debate on the meaning of the work for all Chinese animators. What do you think? For more from Jokelate on NeochaEDGE, link here. /// SL
