This WWII Short Film Is a Must-Watch
"Porcelain Unicorn" is a tale of war, breaking barriers, and unexpected bonds
Published Jan 30, 2023
Porcelain Unicorn is a three-minute captivating grand prize film from the 2010 Philips Parallel Lines “Tell It Your Way” international competition.
Filmmakers were challenged to spin a tale using just six lines of dialogue: “What is that?” “It’s a unicorn.” “Never seen one up close before.” “Beautiful.” “Get away.” “I’m sorry.”
The result? A mesmerizing narrative that weaves these lines into a profound story of shared humanity. It’s powerful and emotionally resonant. And it’s more relevant now than ever, challenging historical animosities by exploring an elderly man’s poignant journey into his childhood memories.
Set against the backdrop of wartime Germany, the film introduces us to a 12-year-old member of the Hitler Youth who stumbles upon a hidden Jewish girl. With minimal dialogue, “Porcelain Unicorn” immerses viewers in the unexpected bond that forms between two young hearts from seemingly irreconcilable worlds.
It’s a testament to the enduring power of human connections, and it’s beautifully portrayed in just three minutes. It’s a must-watch.
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Reflections
Little noise
What do you think about the lack of dialogue in the film? Was this effective in telling the story?
Doing the right thing
What decision did the young boy have to make? Why do you think he chose to make it? What risk was he taking?
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