Animation Unravels Real-life Grandfather’s KGB Adventure in Latest Flick, ‘Water Lilies’
– Depicting the true-life adventure of an intelligence officer’s exhilarating chase with the Soviet Union’s KGB.
– Protagonist stumbles upon an awe-inspiring painting that alters his self-perception dramatically.
– Background of the main character’s grandfather being a diesel submarine captain in the Sea of Japan and even, surprise surprise, a sly spy in the Soviet Union.
– The story comes all the way from Skwigly Animation Magazine.
Abstract Art Meets Spycraft and Revolutionizes Self Image
Hot Take
Let’s call this animation what it really is: a handy-dandy, Oscar-worthy, film noir, action bust, submarine-racing, spy-thwarting, history lesson for the kiddies. Grandpa’s wild ‘n’ crazy life as a diesel submarine captain/spy has clearly led to some artistic talent in the family, making for riveting storytelling. Whoever said art was boring clearly never ran into the KGB while sailing the Sea of Japan. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go revaluate my own life since I’ve clearly been underutilizing the family tales – seems like just dinner table conversation pieces don’t cut it anymore.
Explore a captivating slice of Cold War history as we dive into the intriguing story of a US intelligence officer operating in the Soviet Union, and the profound impact of an unexpected art discovery.
In her riveting album, “Surviving the Nuclear Winter: Tales of a Cold War Submarine Captain”, Julia weaves the extraordinary exploits of her grandfather. This post focuses on the ironic episode from her track “Water Lilies”, an instrumental in his adventurous life.
Despite his risky-modus operandi in the Soviet Union, Julia’s granddad refused to be labelled as a ‘spy’. His operations and motives were the worst kept secrets amongst the US and Soviets, yet a veil of unspoken understanding masked their true identities and roles.
Amidst this web of secrecy, the protagonist of Julia’s album, wistfully ponders his legacy. He questions whether he’ll carve a grandeur image for himself, similar to his father’s, in the eyes of his descendants. Will he be remembered as a ‘Cold War Man’? During these existential crises, a painting of Water Lilies brings him tranquility and self-realization.
The Water Lilies artwork, a genuine souvenir from his Soviet sojourn, suffered water damage over time. It was Julia who recognized its emotional worth and saved it from destruction. The idealistic artwork was again saved by animators Annika Lang and Abrielle Marsden. It served as a proud artefact in their apartment until Julia reclaimed it upon her return.
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/showcase/water-lilies/