Oscar-nominated short films featured at The Ross

This year's batch of Oscar-nominated shorts, showing at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, represents a wide range of countries and genres.

Some are incredibly emotional and others flat-out hysterical.

Live action

‘Manon on the Asphalt' (A)

The best live-action short is "Manon on the Asphalt." It is an emotional story seen through the eyes of a young woman, Manon, who lies on the ground after getting hit by a car.

Her thoughts narrate the film as her friends and loved ones react. It is a beautiful piece that should have won the Oscar over "Toyland."

‘Toyland' (A-)

"Toyland" is the story of friends being pulled apart by Nazi Germany. The boy's mother in the film tells him his friend's family is going away to Toyland. He wants to go as well, which causes problems when the family is taken away.

The three other nominated shorts are well done but not in the same class as "Toyland" and "Manon on the Asphalt."

‘The Pig' (B)

"The Pig" is the story of an old man in the hospital for colon surgery. He becomes fascinated with a simple painting of a pig on his wall.

After surgery the man wakes up to find the painting missing, removed because the family in the room with him is Muslim and does not like the pig. The old man fights for the pig on principle in this fresh and entertaining short.

‘On the Line' (B+)

The longest nominated short, "On the Line" takes advantage of the time and, combined with gorgeous cinematography, makes for a lovely view.

The 30-minute short is about a security guard who does not aid a man in a physical altercation because he thinks the man is involved with a woman the security guard desires. After hearing what happens to the man he regrets the consequences, and struggles in his relationship with his crush.

‘New Boy' (B+)

The final live action short, "New Boy" is about an African student fitting into his new class in Ireland. His first day of school is intercut with his back story in Africa with his father. The boy is bullied harshly, but a girl classmate sticks up for him.

Animated

The academy got it right this time by picking "Le Maison en Petits Cubes." The competition was close between the quiet and thoughtful "Le Maison en Petits Cubes" and the hilarious "This Way Up," but the enthralling visuals and story of "Le Maison en Petis Cubes" wins out.

‘Le Maison en Petis Cubes' (A)

"Le Maison en Petis Cubes" is the story of a man in a society where the ice caps are melting fast. Houses are built up as the water level rises.

The film follows the man on his trip down memory lane and down through his house.

‘This Way Up' (A)

A father and son who run a funeral home and are trying to finally bury an old lady may not sound like a funny story, but the British comedy is a riot. Murphy's Law is stretched to its comedic limits as the men overcome challenge after challenge.

‘Lavatory Lovestory' (B+)

In "Lavatory Lovestory," a lonely bathroom attendant is tortured by a secret admirer she doubts really exists. The man leaves flowers, but he is nowhere to be found. It's a cute story that will make the audience "awww" when the credits roll.

‘Oktopodi' (B-)

The shortest short tells of a humorous struggle for love between two octopi in "Oktapodi." One octopus's lover is taken away when she is purchased. A vision of her being cut up is enough to get her lover out of his tank and climbing on the truck to get her free.

‘Presto' (B+)

Disney's nominee in the category is "Presto," the story of a magician and his rabbit who just wants a carrot.

The magician's trick is to use a magic hat that allows him to reach through and grab the rabbit, who is next to another hat.

In Disney's world, this only works when the rabbit is willing to comply. Unfortunately, the rabbit wants to be fed first. So, the rabbit keeps messing with the magician while he is on stage, which accidentally makes his performance far more entertaining.

Overall, the one acts make up an enjoyable ensemble. For those who don't have a chance to see them before or during Spring Break, they'll be at the Ross through March 26.

maxwohlgemuth@dailynebraskan.com