"Das Rad" is a 2003 Academy Award nominated student short film by Chris Stenner, Arvid Uibel and Heidi Wittlinger. The most interesting thing is maybe how different the paths of the trio went. Uibel died in 2000 at age 23 or 24 already, Wittlinger has worked here and there in the animation department for small projects, but XStenner really hit the jackpot having worked on "Iron Man 2", "Game of Thrones", "Cropse Bride", "Hugo" and many other big projects.Anyway, back to "The Wheel". I have to say that I did not really enjoy these 8 minutes. The film plays during the Stone Age and we see two stone creatures talk to each other making jokes repeatedly about how grass grows on the back of one of them. Then, one of them discovers the wheel which turns out a pretty evil vision though, so they are glad when everything is back to normal without the wheel shortly afterward.I can sort-of see how people like this short film, as it is somewhat different, but it's not really my cup of tea and it probably would not have made my personal top5 in the animated short film category that year.

It's a short animation movie, an amuse-bouche, that's very funny but carried along with it a warning. See, these two piles of rocks are sitting on top of a hill speaking to one another, turning their heads and moving their limbs with rolling clacks of sound.One of them thoughtfully peels the lichens off the other, and tells him (they're both males) that he hates to say it but you've got moss on your head again.Time passes swiftly on this hilltop. They watch a village grow in the valley beneath them. They wonder what the hell is going on as these wooden houses pop up and paths run around through the grass. The smaller of the rocks puzzles over an almost round piece of inanimate stone and twirls it around on its axis. When a human being passes by, a wheel falls from his cart, and the cursing cart hauler must change it. The small pile undergoes an "Aha Erlebnis" and realizes that this is a wheel ("rad").But then rime rushes by. The two piles remain the same but a huge metropolis springs up around them. Cars whip along an Autobahn and a monstrous TV screen announces "Built To Last." Poof. It doesn't last. It turns into dust and the TV collapses with a plop. The rocks remain as they were and the lichens and moss grow back. I won't go on about the message.It's a comic view of civilizations, and it's only eight minutes long.

They say that good art is something that once seen changes one's perspective forever. If so this short qualifies. Once you see it you'll always be a bit aware of the rock's perspective of time.Bravo on an really well-conceived short film.

memorable, smart, funny, original, flawlessly executed... what else can i tell you about 'das rad', without spoiling any future viewing experience (if there will be a chance for one)? this one really stood out among this year's oscar contenders. i am truly disappointed the academy decided to give the golden guy to yet another big studio product instead of rewarding this little (but by no means insignificant) movie. i was really touched by the story: i think what we (humans) really need in a trying time like that is a proper perspective towards what our species is getting itself into. 'das rad' gives you that, and manages to make its point despite its short running time. a real gem, go see it if you have a chance. bravo stenner & uidel!