This is more of visual experience than any story or point but....wow, what visuals! This is magnificently drawn and probably quite unlike any other animated short you've seen, although it did remind me of some of the cool stuff done when computer animation began with stuff like "The Mind's Eye." This is more detailed, showing a Lord Of The Rings-looking figure entering a huge and different cathedral. As one poster points out, he apparently was waiting for someone. At any rate, we see at the end how the cathedral is partially updated, if you will.Not only the visuals unique and stunning, the music is equally dramatic. The short story, meanwhile, will up for many interpretations, which is why I downplay the story a bit. I don't pretend to have the author's intentions with this, just appreciate and admire the work he put into it. Kudos to Poland's Tomek Baginski, and I can see why his effort here was nominated for an Oscar.No matter how you try to interpret this, a undeniable fact is that it is stunning artwork, mesmerizing at times.

On a far distant planet stands a immense cathedral, seemingly derelict and lifeless. A solitary traveler stands before the crumbling columns, silently watching and waiting. The film leaves countless questions unanswered, its dialogue-free script allowing for the visuals and music to tell the story, and for the viewer to fill in the blanks. Where is this beautiful planet? Who is this lone traveler? Why has he made this pilgrimage to such a remote cathedral? Indeed, who actually built this cathedral, and for how long has it stood here?Tomek Baginski's animated short film, 'Katedra / The Cathedral,' is a fascinating and visually-stunning journey into the unknown, and a philosophical exploration of the nature of religion. It is based upon Jacek Dukaj's short story of the same name, and was created using 3ds Max, a full-featured 3D graphics application developed by Autodesk Media and Entertainment. The CGI visuals, which allegedly took three years to produce, are nothing short of perfect, every frame as beautiful as the last. With no dialogue to speak of, 'Katedra' also relies heavily on its choice of music, and the steadily-building electronic track used during the film's climax is wonderfully rousing.The conclusion itself is worthy of some discussion, though I'll stop short of giving away what actually happens. What could this ending actually be implying? That a religion is comprised solely of its believers? Could the pilgrim's faith have allowed him to become a part of something wonderful and glorious? This, of course, is without considering whether or not the traveler knew what was about to happen when the sun made its dazzling appearance. Whatever your interpretation, there's no denying that this film is simply a thing of beauty.

This animated film from Poland features some truly outstanding animation. The character animation and the scenery shots in this sci fi tale are brilliant. The story itself is somewhat hard to follow, but as a spectacle of animation it is a terrific film. GRADE: A

This movie is simply an outstanding example of man's creativity and imagination. Based on a short story by Jacek Dukaj gives you - most of all - computer animation at its best. Hard to imagine that this movie was made by almost one man alone and after work... Remember this name: Tomasz Baginski, for it won't be long for him to be SOMEBODY in movie business!