Katedra is a highly philosophical film, and viewers may or may not appreciate it in the first viewing because of the crypticness. When I saw it for the first time, even I was not entirely impressed and discarded the film. However, after reading a few reviews in IMDb which commended the film for its hidden messages, I saw it for the second time only to get a different perception of the film.To me , the film is about existentialism, self-realization and enlightenment. The lone voyager in the short enters a decrepit cathedral, which is made of tranquil human figures bound to trees. As his light falls on their faces, the figures smile, perhaps welcoming their new member. The traveler moves to the edge of a cliff, and looks at distant worlds, then examines the dust on the ground, perhaps to show that all these worlds were at one time united. At this moment, the sun comes out and illuminates the cathedral and the man becomes part of the cathedral. Also the land expands as he despite being on the edge now seems to be at a distance from the end, perhaps leaving some space for another traveler who will attain enlightenment after perceiving the cathedral's message.President Obama was handed an ipad along with this short film Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. I think it was with a view to commemorate Obama's efforts at bringing the nations of the world closer to each other. Katedra is open to interpretations and this is how I perceived it. Hope I didn't sound silly. My rating for this underrated gem on the first viewing: 5/10 and on the second (which counts): 8/10. Please do not get judgemental on the first viewing of this film as it requires time to get some understanding of it.

I have seen countless animated, CGI, or live short films. Yet, nothing was like Katedra or The Cathedral. It's maybe the best of them all. This time, not a movie, but a piece of art, could brilliantly summarize the human's journey on earth. So how about being a 7 minutes long as well ! There is a certain poetic pace, making the whole thing very special. The moment of losing the arm is as unforgettable as the most painful moment you had. And the final shot is sublime, just sublime, giving you the confirmation that you're watching a true great work. It's a film that leaves you dazzled with all the meanings of the word.I can't find out what could be the best of it; is it the design of the pilgrim's character?, is it the idea of The Cathedral itself as a holy center for all the human development ?, is it the music of the end ?, or is it the finale with its profoundly rousing spectacle in which all the human's power, abilities, age and self contribute to add just a small step towards a noble, unreached, aim ? I think it's one of the times when the best of the movie is the whole movie.As for the Oscar, let me gird up my loins. Firstly I was shocked when I knew that The Cathedral lost. But the shock of knowing that (The Chubbchubbs) was the one which won made me so mad! There is absolutely no comparison between the 2. Actually (The Chubbchubbs) can't be nominated in the first place, especially when The Cathedral is around!I don't trust the Oscar, or any other award for that matter, but when it comes to preferring a joke of a movie, or – at best – a show reel of a company's characters such as (Chubbchubbs) over this film then it's a partiality, stupidity, or sheer blindness, whatever the name of the crime is !Some films don't need any Oscar to be immortal. This one is on the top of them.

I agree with all the previous comments - excellent animation etc...-a masterpiece indeed. However I find the plot of the movie at least as fascinating as the visualization. It's about the power of existence and coming to an end - beautiful, magnificent, unavoidable and horrifying, about sacrifices that allow us to last. ....and thousand other interpretations. You may not agree with mine but what can be said without any doubts is that the plot IS NOT LIGHT!

Although perhaps a little light on story, Cathedral is a near-perfect display of computer-generated filmmaking. Rich in lighting effects, computer-designed architecture, and visual invention, the film is just great to watch. As mentioned earlier, the story is a little weak, as the filmmakers chose to tell their story with visuals rather than dialogue. However, because of the fantastic visuals and inventive storytelling techniques, the filmmakers' messages are effectively conveyed. While I don't think this could be the best short film of the year, it is certainly one of the best to look at.