The Peasants: A Frame-by-Frame Masterpiece
– Hugh and DK Welchman, husband and wife duo, have released their second hand-painted animation titled ‘The Peasants.’
– This film is a follow-up to their first masterwork, ‘Loving Vincent,’ which exhibited the prospects of frame by frame animation.
– Although both movies stand as exceptional achievements, the movie goer consensus deems ‘The Peasants’ as the more significant one.
A Masterstroke in Animation
Some might call the Welchman’s animations nothing short of brilliance, like trying to capture the subtle glow of a shooting star with a butterfly net. Isn’t calling ‘The Peasants’ a singular achievement silly? Heck no! But why stick to hyperboles when we can appreciate the incredible dedication and the paint-stained hard work this groovy couple has put in?
Crafting Magic, Frame-by-Frame
Now, here’s the real deal – these talented folks have gone about meticulously painting each frame (yeah, you heard that right!), making the movie-goers re-think their color palettes and questioning if they do indeed know all the colors. You thought blue was just blue? Welcome to a world where it’s much more than that!
In conclusion, sure, it’s their second hand-painted animation, but ‘The Peasants’ is like the flashy second album from a one-hit-wonder band that outshines the first. It’s a sophomore work that leaves ‘Loving Vincent’ (which is no small feat itself) in the picturesque dust. Bolstered by the potential unlocked in their first work, Hugh and DK Welchman increased their artistry to an eleven. They’ve painted a universe for us that shows there’s no creative ceiling when it comes to animation. So grab your popcorn, sit back and let ‘The Peasants’ dance their way into your hearts (and eyeballs)! Remember, art isn’t just a visual treat…it’s a way to view the world.
Hugh and DK Welchman’s “The Peasants”: Redefining the Artistry of Hand-Painted Animation. The second hand-painted animation by this talented couple builds on the success of their previous venture, “Loving Vincent”. This latest project takes oil painting to a new level, revealing a new dimension in animated storytelling.
“The Peasants”, the Welchmans’ latest film, redefines what was thought possible in animation, offering a masterclass in monochromatic storytelling that far exceeds its predecessor. The animation is gripping, innovative and showcases their epic storytelling prowess.
Borrowing its narrative from the Nobel Prize-winning Polish novel by Władysław Reymont, “The Peasants” is set in an idyllic farming village. The tale is rich in drama, scandal, and the fundamental human desires for love and power.

A scene from “The Peasants” (Image via Alternate Current)
The captivating storyline spans across four seasons, intensifying as the weather shifts and leaves change color, effectively mirroring the tension in human relationships.
“The Peasants”, unlike their previous work, showcases the Welchman’s reinvented filmmaking style. They have managed to integrate dynamic camera movements that make the animation feel more realistic and story more impactful.

Another mesmerizing scene from “The Peasants”
Enjoy the Welchmans’ signature detailed animation, elevated by strong Polish production, superb costume design, and an artistic style inspired by the historical Young Poland art movement.
On top of that, the film’s high drama comes alive through kinetic animation style, ultimately creating a lifelike movment that is poetry in motion.

Intricacies of “The Peasants” (Image via Alternate Current)
“The Peasants” is not just about the artistry; the compelling story, grounded presentations, and emotionally charged performances have the substance necessary to draw audiences in.
Anyone doubting the potential of animation as a powerful storytelling medium should not miss “The Peasants”. The film effortlessly transcends traditional animation, bringing to life the complex themes of class disparity with outstanding performances.

A glimpse into the world of “The Peasants”
“The Peasants” also gives voice to suppressed female narratives within patriarchal communities, forging a relatable and emotionally charged story. The wild, beautiful and artistic Jagna is at the heart of this tale, embodying resilience and courage.
By turning the storyline from the traditional to a woman-centric narrative, “The Peasants” becomes a modern-day coming-of-age saga. Any doubts about the power of animation in storytelling will shatter once you watch “The Peasants”.
“The Peasants” hits the UK cinemas on December 8th.
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/the-peasants-review/