Continuing my stop-motion article series, this review delves into the stop-motion masterpiece, Harvie Krumpet.
Harvie Krumpet, a stop-motion animated short film directed by Adam Elliot, beautifully blends humor and tragedy. This touching narrative explores the theme of overcoming adversity through quirky and heartfelt storytelling.
If you haven’t yet, check out my previous post on the stop-motion film by the same director, Mary and Max. I love stop-motion animation, and if you do too, let’s dive into this wonderful film.
See the following movie details below and be sure to watch the Harvie Krumpet trailer on the movie page!
- Year of Release: 2003
- Production Company: Melodrama Pictures
- Distributor: Madman Entertainment
- Director: Adam Elliot
- Screenplay: Adam Elliot
- Length: 23 minutes
Voice Cast
The voice cast includes:
- Geoffrey Rush as the narrator
- John Flaus as the voice of Harvie Krumpet
Where to Stream
Harvie Krumpet can be found on several streaming platforms. Check services like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and YouTube for availability. Occasionally, it may be available for free on certain platforms or as part of a subscription service.
Related Reads
looking to explore more movies like Harvey krumpet? checkout these related reads!
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- A Review of No Dogs or Italians Allowed (2022)
- The Quirky Brilliance of Mary and Max: A Film Review
- The Tower (2018): A Movie Review
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Harvie Krumpet: The Plot
Early Life in Poland
Harvie Krumpet began in 1922 in Poland. Harvie, born to a mother who talks to invisible people, faces a challenging childhood. He is different from other children, stuttering and being teased at school.
Eventually, his mother homeschools him with “FAKTs” – odd and often humorous pieces of trivia. Harvie develops a funny habit of poking every person he meets on the nose.
Tragedy Strikes
Harvie’s mother gradually loses her sanity, mistaking him for an intruder. One day, while Harvie is working in the woods, he returns to find his home burnt down and his parents frozen and nude, a heartbreaking turn of events.
As the Germans invade Poland, Harvie decides to move to Australia and changes his surname to Krumpet.
Life in Australia
In Australia, Harvie learns English by watching TV. He continues to love “FAKTs” and retains his habit of poking people in the nose, which, unsurprisingly, gets him into trouble.
One day, he pokes the wrong person and lands himself in the hospital with a large scar on his head. He struggles to find stable employment, often getting fired, and remains socially isolated.
Finding Love and Family
Despite his misfortunes, Harvie finds some happiness. He meets Valory, a woman with red glasses and big lips, and they marry in a hospital.
Together, they adopt a girl named Ruby, who has no limbs. Harvie becomes a dedicated stay-at-home dad, teaching Ruby about animal rights and the importance of individuality.
Later Years
As Harvie ages, he faces more challenges. Val passes away from a brain clot, and Ruby grows up and leaves home to become a lawyer for the disabled.
Harvie becomes a recluse but finds solace in a new friendship with Hamish, a 94-year-old with Alzheimer’s. Hamish has large red hair growing from his nose and often mistakes the iron for a phone.
The Animation
Harvie Krumpet is a brilliant example of stop-motion animation. The characters are meticulously crafted with a unique claymation style.
Harvie himself is portrayed with endearing simplicity – bald with a prominent nose and big expressive eyes that capture his childlike curiosity and resilience. On one movie cover, a metal “table 6” placeholder is stuck to the top of his head.
Harvie Krumpet Meaning
Live life to the Fullest
The film carries a profound message about resilience and finding joy amidst life’s hardships. Harvie’s story is a testament to living life to the fullest, even when faced with continual bad luck. Despite losing his family, suffering from physical ailments, and enduring personal losses, Harvie never loses his spirit.
Carpe Diem
“Carpe diem,” meaning “seize the day,” became a pivotal phrase in Harvie Krumpet’s life. This Latin aphorism, symbolizing the importance of making the most of the present moment, profoundly impacts Harvie after he reads it. In fact, he loves the phrase so much that he gets it tattooed onto his butt!
The phrase sparks a transformation in his outlook, motivating him to embrace life’s uncertainties and challenges. This shift in perspective propels him into various adventures and misadventures, including becoming a nudist, joining activist groups, and adopting a child.
My Take
I believe that eventually, everyone needs to come to a point where they resolve to have meaning in their life, especially when dealing with something hard like depression, addiction, or the loss of a loved one.
You can either be overwhelmed by it or find something to help you keep going. This pivotal moment of choosing to embrace life’s challenges and seek purpose is crucial for emotional resilience.
For many, it’s about finding that motivating factor—whether it’s a personal goal, a supportive community, or a meaningful phrase like “carpe diem”—that encourages them to persevere through adversity. Embracing this mindset not only aids in overcoming immediate hardships but also fosters long-term well-being and a sense of fulfillment.
Harvie Krumpet Phrases and FAKTs
Throughout the film, Harvie’s love for “FAKTs” adds a unique charm and depth. Here are some notable FAKTs from the film:
- FAKT 1034: “Life is like a cigarette. Smoke it to the butt.” This phrase is the film’s final quote, encapsulating the essence of Harvie’s outlook on life.
- FAKT 914: “Alcohol can cause drunkenness and nudity.” He learned this fakt when spending time drinking too much in his youth.
- FAKT 586: “Love does not conquer all,” reflecting Harvie’s realization when his pets resented him.
- FAKT 116: “Certain frogs can come back to life when thawed. Humans do not,” a somber fact Harvie learns when his parents freeze to death.
My Favorite Scenes
I really enjoyed the moments where we learned about Harvie’s quirks, like how he grew up and began touching everyone he met on the nose. This might have been okay as a kid, but it caught up with him as an adult, landing him in the hospital when his co-worker punched him.
I also thought it was funny how his daughter Ruby would find objects to stick to the magnetic plate in his head. These moments were comical in the midst of the tragedy of his life.
Is Harvie Krumpet Based on a Real Story?
In interviews, director Adam Elliot explains that all of his characters are based on real stories from real people. His distinctive art style combines biographical storytelling with claymation, a technique he refers to as “clayographies.”
This unique approach allows him to create deeply personal and emotionally resonant films that blend humor and tragedy. Elliot’s work, including films like Harvie Krumpet and Mary and Max, showcases his talent for bringing authentic human experiences to life through meticulously crafted clay figures and stop-motion animation.
His commitment to portraying genuine stories adds a layer of depth and relatability to his films, making them stand out in the world of animation.
Recommendation
Harvie Krumpet is a must-watch for fans of stop-motion animation and those who appreciate tragicomedies. The film’s blend of humor and heartache, combined with its unique visual style, makes it a standout piece in Adam Elliot’s filmography.
Harvie Krumpet Conclusion
Already seen the movie? Do you have a favorite character or quote? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. And as always—keep watching!
For more detailed information, you can refer to sources like IMDb and for a detailed Harvie Krumpet summary. If you enjoyed this film, you might also like similar movies such as Mary and Max. Be sure to check out my review of Mary and Max next.
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