Little From the Fish Shop (Jan Balej, Czech Rep)
One day the Sea King and his family find themselves forced to move from their home deep underneath the surface of the sea and live among humans. In order to make a living, the former ruler runs an ordinary fish shop, helped by his three daughters. The rundown industrial town in which the sea family lives harbours many dangers, but the greatest of all seems to be love: one day the youngest fish daughter “Little” casts an eye at the dubious brothel owner J. J., and a deep affection is kindled in her tiny fish heart. But who would ever fall for a girl with a fishtail covered in scales?
Director Jan Balej follows in the footsteps of Czech animation pioneer Jiri Trnka with this sumptuously rich stop-motion masterpiece based on the fairytale “The Little Mermaid”. A tragic and moving parable to touch the hearts of all ages. Recommended for ages 12+.
72’00, 2015
At Barbican book tickets
