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Klaus
8.2

Klaus (2019)

When Jesper distinguishes himself as the Postal Academy's worst student, he is sent to Smeerensburg, a small village located on an icy island above the Arctic Circle, where grumpy inhabitants barely exchange words, let alone letters. Jesper is about to give up and abandon his duty as a postman when he meets local teacher Alva and Klaus, a mysterious carpenter who lives alone in a cabin full of handmade toys.

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Directed by Sergio Pablos

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Sergio Pablos
Producer
  • Gustavo Ferrada
  • Sergio Pablos
  • Mercedes Gamero
  • Marisa Román
  • Mikel Lejarza
  • Tanguy Olivier
  • Micah Dahlberg

Reviews

r96sk
9/10

A beauty.

What a lovely, charming and clever film. <em>'Klaus'</em> took my interest and then some, I was locked in from the start. It's terrific, with some excellent hand-drawn animation. The cast, led by Jason Schwartzman, do very good jobs, also.

I loved seeing it connect all the dots of Santa, Christmas et al. If you think about it, it's actually rather simple but it's done in a smart and pleasant way. The ending is particularly sweet. Away from the heart, it also has humour and the pacing is absolutely spot on.

Schwartzman is entertaining as Jesper, with J. K. Simmons doing a very solid job as Klaus. I also enjoyed Joan Cusack as Tammy. The cast are probably down the pecking order of this film's pluses, but that's only due to its other, more noticeable positives.

Always pleasing to see a great animated film away from Disney, if only to create important competition for the latter.

Dec 17, 2020

The Movie Mob
7/10

**Klaus reinvents the classics of Christmas with charm and creativity. It belongs on your holiday tradition list.**

Klaus is a surprisingly sweet and heartwarming animated Christmas story that reimagines Santa's origins. The story is unique and creative, standing out from many other Santa Christmas cartoons. The animation style creates the feel of a living storybook, and the voice actors delightfully march the lighthearted tone of the crazy little town of Smeerensburg. Klaus leaves its audience feeling cozy, nostalgic, and content. This will be on the yearly Christmas holiday watchlist in my home.

Jan 2, 2023

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Thematic Analysis

Klaus represents a fascinating example of Animation/Family/Adventure/Comedy/Fantasy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Sergio Pablos brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Klaus took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The musical score contains over 76 unique compositions.
  • The costume department created over 171 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2019, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Klaus shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Bucket List, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Klaus offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Sahara and Tropic Thunder explore similar territory, Klaus stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: November 8, 2019
  • Runtime: 1h 36m

Where to Watch

Netflix
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