Small Sacrifice- UArts Senior Thesis Film

[@pancakes590]

I have a theory that the vixen (female fox) lost a litter in the past. That’s why her mate seemed to be understanding at first because he knew that she was still grieving and so he was willing to humor her to keep her from going further off the deep end. However, it got to be too much for even him to take and he found that he couldn’t reason with her. He didn’t want to watch his mate starve or deprive himself of food in the process so he was forced to leave. She couldn’t bear the thought of killing the baby rabbits even when she was hungry because she’d already imprinted on them and she be experiencing the pain of losing another litter.

[@jeewoo1908]

Ngl if they added that at the very beginning this animation would (somewhat??) make a little more sense? It would still be very counterintuitive to basic nature and illogical however it would def make more sense then it is right now

[@pancakes590]

@@jeewoo1908 agreed. I also personally didn’t see this as heartwarming myself but more a trainwreck. It’s literally just the fox slowly losing herself as she disconnects from reality to try to do the impossible.

[@twt3393]

Did they just summerize the Tarzan movie??

[@texas4148]

Wow what theory

[@pamspray5254]

@@pancakes590 I think this particular short film is best viewed in humanized terms. The obvious dichotomy between fox and rabbit is more jarring and potent when the fox is caring for the rabbit. But if I were to humanize it, I'd say it's simply parents and children. The physical needs of the fox are like the needs and desires of a parent. A parent's need to make a living that is counterbalanced by their obligation to the welfare of their kids. Something like that at least. But if you want a bit of realism, I definitely like your theory.

[@leefee5369]

To show she's willing to give her life to those rabbits whilst the other fox prefers survival- the contrast is simply amazing, and to show her death being happy after all of what happened along with the amazing animation, WOW!

[@Мопс_001]

Other fox chose survival because he is willing to devote his life to someone more of his kind. He already knew it's not worth to give life to the animal which is not even carnivore as him, it's too tedious (example of mother fox hunting and bunnies being scared is solid proof) and innatural (her waking up at night in a crave to eat bunnies the other proof) compared to them possibly caring about their potential *fox kids.* He actually did the right choice but unfortunately couldn't dissuade her from them

[@Steffaroo22]

@@Мопс_001 they didnt have kits tho? it was only they two

[@KIKURAsky]

Ikr? Such an am amazing animation

[@Мопс_001]

@@Steffaroo22 but with a good chance they could have them, right? or atleast have a great future with her soulmate. So she-fox abandoned happy future for.. 3 bunnies which she herself wanted to eat at some point...

[@duckii-lord]

I don’t want to give my life for a creature that’s literally what I eat.. if I where out in the wild, I’d choose survival over anything. Remember is her dream, she was gonna eat the rabbits? Instincts. Her instincts want her to eat them and *survive*

[@greengrass2096]

2:16 Look at how the male fox looks from left to right. "Hey are you going to miss the squirrel?!Fine I'll get it."

[@PlutoDragons]

It’s kinda funny lol ❤

[@devilspet21]

The animation is so perfect. I'm fighting back the tears because the bunnies left her but she accepted death. So beautiful

[@Asillybfdifan]

She didint die?

[@devilspet21]

@@Asillybfdifan she died at the end. She layed down in the snow and didnt move. She stayed and got covered in snow

[@1_like_cats]

​@@devilspet21 yeah she did die. I'm fighting back tears right now too. It's beautiful.

[@dogdudesrucool]

I actually cried

[@Strawberry_KitzlinaViaMax]

Why they let her die😭

[@goblinkitsune]

Hearing my growls perfectly timed with the animation had me GASPING OMG 😭💜💜💜 you did an amazing job!!

[@ringstudios01]

You were amazing!! Thank you so so much for helping me with those sounds, I let my other animator friends know about you incase they ever needed some animal sound effects ;D

[@udaljeno265]

(:🤗💗

[@S_ans0]

Nice

[@SomescreamingB0z0]

You’re amazing with animal sounds, I must say :D

[@evgtem5407]

Я то же 😭

[@dragonlady3852]

Actually foxes are omnivores not strict carnivores. They can eat insects, berries, fruit, acorns, corn, carrots, potatoes and mushrooms safely. There was no real need to starve herself just to avoid scaring the young rabbits. Although animal protein is an important part of a fox's diet going without it for a few weeks shouldn't cost her life. That's right I said weeks. Wild rabbits are completely independent after only three weeks.

[@jamiegallier2106]

Agreed. I get the premise of the motherly sacrifice, but using these characters was a stretch for the reasons you listed.

[@SneakysneakFoxxo]

Agreed

[@Rockyartswcue]

Yeah but i think it was just used to try to make her a carnivore, just for the premise of the story,

[@0boro]

All these KZbin professors just gave a failing grade, damn.

[@xsceneclawznpawz]

​​@aspenonpawssno one said the animaton was bad, just the realism or how realistic itd be, not the actual animation itself just how the animals act

[@magicdawn1973]

This brings a whole new meaning to the phrase nature vs nurture. Excellent work.

[@StaviKay]

Guess you could call it mother vs nature

[@smokayman]

Yeah I thought this was a great example of how leftist women pervert and destroy cultural tradition and acceptable behavior by placing their personal feelings above anything and anyone else. Bravo, well demonstrated.

[@stardustorchard9316]

I think.. it still holds.. the same meaning? Not sure how this would change it

[@anachronity9002]

Haha it's a really nice touch that someone came in from off-screen after the camera panned away, and then brushed the snow off of the fox and then took care of her and got her some food and then later everyone was reunited and happy. ... r-right? 🥺

[@Brayden1987]

Everyone at the site is sobbing right now

[@Wroar2020s]

Oh no...

[@sarahelliott5444]

Sorry mate,but you know what that flower means. Right?

[@phoenixthedutchie149]

@@sarahelliott5444 shhhhhh let them pretend it’s okay…

[@michaelroutt2604]

Sadly i think not...

[@LizzyTheStrange]

Holy hell that made me cry. I assure you, not many things are able to impact me so much.

[@Quarter_BeetheSkid]

Beautiful, although that wasn’t really a “small sacrifice”. I feel like there’s some irony there, as well as irony in the fact that while the fox protected the bunnies, the bunnies could not do anything to return the favour except leave. She gave up her life, and the best thing those rabbits did for her was leave. Sure, they sated her motherly nature, but could fox kits not have done the same? She had a mate, or at least I’d assume that’s her mate. She could have had a future with children of her own blood, and actually lived to see them grow and mature. But instead, she ended up caring more for her fluffy adopted hamburgers, and left behind by everyone she cared for. An act of immeasurable kindness, but also, a very significant sacrifice. Anything but “small”.

[@alphonsejohnson5601]

But the bunnies will return the favor in a way. They will remember her for what she has done for them up until she died. I can say that the bunnies remembering the love she gave them and the sacrifices she made for them is a favor to her in itself.

[@bimates2690]

@@alphonsejohnson5601 and what's that? Taking care of fox children? Because just as it didn't work out here, that most definitely won't work out in the opposite.

[@alphonsejohnson5601]

@@bimates2690 The only reason it didn't work is because the female fox didn't eat anything and starved to death. If she at least waited until the bunnies went to sleep and then hunt, she would still be alive taking care of the bunnies. As long as the fox can eat, i think the bunnies can take care of a baby fox. (Also remember, this is also fiction, although there are some predators and prey that do hang out together peacefully.)

[@r3doctave657]

@@alphonsejohnson5601 I think the people understand it's fiction, and they also understand art imitates life. Expressing a mild critique over an emotional student project is just as important to the creator's growth, which I hope the artist experiences early on instead of when a bigger project flops. :/

[@Kay-ofc]

Yo i loved your comment

[@Hdyeshyehswhsyhwshwy]

I feel bad for the male fox though- he was a loving mate and since he’s a fox he’d naturally try to eat them, he’d be feeling super betrayed that she chose their natural prey to protect over him. I also saw a tear in his eye for like 2 seconds when he was leaving

[@mattyboi2013]

I watched this animation pretty late but I agree with you. He did seem very loving hunting for his mate and even trying to not attack the rabbits. I noticed the tear drop and I can’t help but see that the fox when he looks back before wandering in the forest that he really is gonna mix her but who knows.

[@marshmallowmountains4636]

Yeah honestly the female was dumb AF. There's no reason she can't leave the bunnies to hunt or her mate to hunt without her and bring her food. She could eat it outside the den so the bunnies don't see it.

[@StaviKay]

I'm even later, but yeah. She could've handled it a little smarter, kept herself alive, eat something without them watching you know.

[@TheRavenThief]

I agree, it's very easy in these type of situations to paint the male fox as a bad guy, especially because he acted grumpy the entire time, but he had been supportive at the very start and never made any attempts to hurt the baby bunnies. When his mate failed to grab prey for herself, he went off after it and brought it back to her. So proud of himself and happy to provide. But she wouldn't take the food and I think it was at that point he realized this wasn't just humoring her anymore. It's killing her. I think that's why he decided to attack the bunnies, he didn't NEED to, but he saw that keeping them alive was actively starving his mate, and he likely saw it as saving her (which wouldn't have been entirely off). But in the end, he was stopped by her which he probably didn't expect her to attack him back. It was ultimatum at that point, a decision she ultimately made for the baby bunnies which very likely really hurt him. I don't think he genuinely wanted to leave her, but he wasn't going to just watch her waste away.

[@sastari_voice7624]

It's even sadder when you realize that foxes usually mate for life

[@Dcyaboi33]

Yo guys can we talk about how well the music reflects the tension and situations within this? It matches the vibe so well and really created and atmosphere. 2:47 - 3:20 is a good example I want to break down. The music is a bit more upbeat as nothing is happening, then the notes and chords become deeper darker and more intense as the tension of the situation ramps up. Additionally, there's this shaker sample sound that helps to emphasize the "chaotic" and anxious nature. Then over time the notes become more sparse and lighten up as the conflict is lessening throughout this temporary altercation, actually becoming more sad as the context and extent of the situation is becoming apparent. Absolutely LOVE how all this is put together. On another note: The animation. The use of sharp lines and body movement throughout some parts of this animation are really great and help to set up the intensity on its own accord. 3:48 is a good example. The dark shading and emphasis on her teeth and darkness of her face really encapsulte the realization that she's practically starving herself for the sake of the bunnies. Genuinely unsettling to watch, knowing that a real risk is increasing. And to think that at the end of it all, she actually starved. Actually one of the most emotionally gripping animations I've watched in a long time. I'm not sure how to feel. Yes the bunnies lived, but that sweet fox had to hurt herself just to help them. Damn, talk about a moral dilemma.

[@MissyMona]

The thing that sucks about it is, it's not like the fox didn't try to eat, she knew going for a chicken would be food for her, and the lettuce would be food for the bunnies. She was thinking smart, and considerate. It was the circumstances near the end that put her in a situation where she had no food and made that choice.

[@muffinland8660]

Her mate literally caught and brought her meat that she refused to eat out of sight of the bunnies.

[@Metqa]

@@muffinland8660 rabbits are not averse to blood. they fight, bite and kill each other and a female rabbit will kill and eat her kittens if circumstance would have them starve or put her own life in danger. Perhaps, we could say, the fox doesn't know that, and the kittens hadn't grown to live that. So it was a needless sacrifice, but a sacrifice nonethe less. I find it interesting with artists have animals growling when hunting. that is counter intuitive. Growling signals I am here I am a threat, to other threats, not to the meals. They want to stay hidden until the pounce . so the bunnies would not see aggression from the fox, just the fox silently hunting then pouncing then producing a body. No growling, or snarling to scare the prey. It was cute but a bit too unrealistic in ways. but good in that animals can grow up and live together even if on differnt food levels.

[@InsaneEmoWolf75]

@@Metqa im betting this person is a furry.. nothing really to do with it but this kinda stuff is everywhere in the fandom so it's just a theory. humanizing the animals to be more relatable to us. like in Disney and Pixar. now i dont like foxes personally.. awful animals with little to no real purpose. all i could think about was if foxes had the capability to actually hold compassion/ not be selfish pests...i cant lol

[@NLance]

@@InsaneEmoWolf75 That is where you are wrong. Foxes keep rodent populations in check. Hunt the fox to extinction and the area will be overran with native rodents of every kind. Foxes become an issue when their own competitors are hunted to extinction. Like the wolf. But that is hardly the fox's fault.

[@Fairygroveyt]

@@InsaneEmoWolf75 They do have compassion...

[@starclan5965]

The fact that she really loves the bunnys makes my heart warm up

[@fantasybaystore]

4:04 this is very well done. I don’t consider your own life a small sacrifice but nice film. I can clearly see the emotion of each charecter

[@turkeylmao4268]

I love how the frames progressively got darker as the animation continues, but at the very end, its a light purple, a peaceful colour.

[@catusdog_5761]

Wasn’t as good as I thought it would be. It was amazing better than amazing even. You hooked me with a small teaser on. Tik tok and this was worth the wait. You did great. I’m happy so many other people think so too!

[@catusdog_5761]

I messed up the beginning of my comment, makes it sound really bad🥲

[@ringstudios01]

@@catusdog_5761 Lol you had me in the first half ngl XD but thank you so so much!!

[@Mr_Erutrot]

@@catusdog_5761 just edit it lol

[@catusdog_5761]

@@Mr_Erutrot nope it would ruin it, it’s great the way it is

[@Mr_Erutrot]

@@catusdog_5761 respect for keeping it

[@KellyCarpenter-yo5js]

This is the cutest animation I have ever seen in my entire life

[@MindyTheFox]

Same ik

[@Dragaones]

Same kk

[@vannix565]

I cried. I need to watch it all over again

[@tvz-favorite]

no you don’t UwU

[@AshenFeather--Artwork]

The vixen gave up everything for those bunnies - her mate, food, and eventually her life. I love this little animation so much

[@1Animeculture]

That is way too much to give. Way too much.

[@VivianaSilverback]

@@1Animeculture No it's not, specially in fiction. This isn't real life, so extreme sacrifices are ok.

[@user-hyuser357]

@@VivianaSilverback нет. это слишком много. через искусство люди доносят свои мысли и морали другим людям. а те, передают их своим детям. люди должны избавиться от этого идиотского культа безпричинной жертвенности

[@quinnruss5541]

⁠@@VivianaSilverback you think they’re dumb or something? They know it’s fiction and that has nothing to do with the point of their comment

[@Vanny..luvsss]

@@VivianaSilverbackik it’s like fictional but like… damn😨

[@VoidWalkerOblivion]

Something a dear friend of mine has had to go through recently was unexpectedly having to take in their 6yo cousin. Suddenly my friend is "mother", and feels like no one sees her as her own person anymore. They and their partner didn't want kids; the unexpected responsibility was very hard on their relationship. The disagreements on how to address the child's behaviour when she acted out, the sacrifices they've had to make, having to reconsidered the very paths they intended their lives and futures to take - its a lot. Even when your partner wants to support you: the stress and anxiety and the sense that its all up to you makes it so hard for you to listen to them, to compromise, to take time for yourself and for the two you as a couple. And that's what the vixen failed to do, even when her tom mate was trying to be supportive. So yeah. This felt very real for me.

[@TheStephanbirk]

A mothers heart , even having adopted children. Love knows no prejudice, it bonds.

[@courtneyjordy4801]

I’m going to cry, even tho those rabbits weren’t her own kind or her kids she still showed motherly instinct that’s what made me cry and be happy because she was willing to give her life for those rabbits

[@rodolfourby2467]

The fact that they had the audacity to leave her when she was weak,makes me upset.She gave EVERYTHING UP FOR THEMMM.All she gets is a goodbye,no thank you or a hug.She also didn’t eat for them.But this is her fault,she could have lived with the bunny’s,And her mate.But she went another path.I don’t feel bad I am just irritated by the fact that she could have lived longer and healthier. Like if you agree :>

[@amberestie6605]

The animation is an absolutely beautiful piece but I wish in the end her mate came back. To show that he may not accepted everything she was doing but still cared about her and her life 🥺🥺🥺 sometimes our actions as well meaning as they are can be self destructive. She was an amazing momma bunny-fox. I hope she gets reborn as a bunny. That would be a neat ending too. I don’t want her to die 🥺

[@makaniwebb9358]

I can kind of understand why he didn't. It's really hard to watch a loved one act self destructively and refuse to accept help.

[@shadowsamurai7465]

And then the rabbits were eaten by other animals or killed by a hunter :3

[@TheOriginalSomeKidWhoDraws]

*bursts out into tears* 😭 🥹

[@MyLiverWasStolen]

Why are you commenting that everywhere?? Like we get it the rabbits probably die- Anyway yeah I agree with the Mate…

[@HelloaDias-w2h]

😅😢😮 no😿😿😿😿😿😿😿

[@rougeakane]

As someone who has 3 of my own bunny babies…. This hit me right in the feels

[@littlelost_things2822]

I see many people are confused why the film is called "Small Sacrifice" despite the sacrifice the vixen made being huge. I feel like, considering her love for the baby rabbits, she viewed the sacrifices she made for them as "small", even though they were not small from an outside perspective. This is possibly why the film is called Small Sacrifice!

[@aperson9603]

I think small is literal here as in it's the size of the bunnies, like the vixen sacrifices her life for the small (bunnies)

[@spencerthompson9091]

When you are a parent everything you do that is a sacrifice regardless of the size feels small because you are doing it for your kids. I'm a father of 5 and everything feels small because they are that important

[@infinitehexington]

​@@spencerthompson9091 I no longer want kids

[@spencerthompson9091]

@@infinitehexington good for you?

[@marionbooth8103]

Still processing this beautiful animated message. A mother will sacrifice herself for her children. They are her life and soul. Even though the children were adopted, she was bonded to them completely. Very touching. 🌹💕

[@mewloverxd5153]

This is the art style that I absolutely wish I had. it’s so pretty but still kind of cartoony at the same time which is something I really want! Absolutely amazing animation too!! Edit:wow 8 likes? My comments usually don’t ever get any! Thanks guys!

[@Fox_out_back]

Respect to the fox

[@Мопс_001]

Well... this animation is interesting. I really liked the style, it's nice, soft and catches my eye at every frame. Also the whole composition feels good and never gives bad vibes even when some animals were hunted down. I truly fell in love with this style! But now for the not so beautiful part. My position has always been that nature is where morality doesn't work. But here it is not the case. I imagined if the adopted animals were the other foxes and not bunnies. Surprisingly, everything then falls into place. In the case with animation all the problems mother fox ran into was because bunnies were prey. She couldn't eat other prey because it could scare bunnies away, she lost her sleep because of hunger, *she even lost her soulmate who wanted to eat,* and finally she lost her life because of starvation (which was far from worth it). On the other hand if bunnies were foxes, it makes sense in many ways and justifies her behavior since she could give all her prey to kids and wake up at nights without a crave to eat them. This is what I consider a truly worthy sacrifice, much more meaningful and enlightening. But as it is, I feel really sorry for this mother fox because she gave away her life for the wrong purpose (on my mind). But still, great animation, I'll rewatch it many times in future!

[@Goremize]

Exactly, the story def would work flipped, it doesn't work this way around. as if anyone or any animal would choose some random young bunnies over their soulmate and their life and their entire reason for existing. Like giving up your life purpose for something that doesn't make any sense.

[@Alexa-bp8rm]

​@@Goremize She didn't so much 'give up' her life's purpose, she just found a new one with the bunnies. I think its a valid story - she sacrificed her life for vulnerable things, showing motherhood transcends blood barriers.

[@clearmelody6252]

@@Alexa-bp8rm Generosity means self-sacrifice. I'm thinking these other two completely missed the point of the story, and also that it's meant to be a metaphor, as well.

[@honigblumchen9848]

@@clearmelody6252 I agree with you on your pov.

[@Мопс_001]

@@clearmelody6252 So show me where was this sacrifice worth it? Self-sacrificing CAN be good but not always worth it. As well as not all metaphors are wise. Example: I'm in my right mind adopted 28 homeless dogs but had to leave my job, then my wife left me and I was left with nothing, but those dogs were saved. This is self-sacrifing. But not wise. It's generous. But not meaningful. Not worth it. Because there was a bunch of other much more important and meaningful options, such as make donation fund for that dogs and join different groups Generosity can be a step away from recklessness.

[@Lovely_soph16]

This was a great and bitter sweet animation and I love the idea of a fox finding a group of baby rabbits and taking care of them. It kind of shows the sacrifices that some parents make for their children. I love this whole idea and the animation itself. Great work ! 6:21

[@justinlawrence6790]

I love how the change in color scheme helps to accentuate the overall story. Small detail that most animators overlook.

[@atomicreptiliascreator738]

Foxes are omnivorous, meaning they can eat both plant and animal. This fox didn't have to starve to death if there were berries in the forest that can be safely consumed.

[@Amanecer458]

But if they dont eat meat lost so many importan proteins

[@booyahboogie3350]

This is AMAZING!!! The poor fox, it gave up literally everything for those poor bunnies.

[@iam_THEsky]

@★ Muddy The Emerald Pup ★ And then they probably got eaten.

[@Lunamistyonpawz]

I love this!!! Its so happy but at the same time so sad!!!!

[@SeeingStarsYT-art]

What a deep piece! The vixen selflessly gave up her diet for the little trio :( I do feel like she must’ve been grieving. I do like that it shows that she gave life to the soil, she fertilised it to allow a flower to grow

[@kaleiah2800]

how are you so underrated?! 240 subs ONLY??? you seem like those animators with at LEAST 100k. this is incredible!

[@popkatgamkng1654]

It’s not 240 subs tho-

[@TheLeanBaker]

There is a lot that I have to say for my review about this animation, so I shall make it as short and as concise as I can make it. First off, when it comes to any student animation like this, or shorts that are made online, I think this takes my top spot in being the most impactful for a plethora of reasons. There are some things that I find that might sound a bit critical and then there are things I found that I admired and was genuinely impressed by, so without further adieu, I shall list them. Things I loved about the animation: 1. Beautifully made and fairly well organized. 2. Story paced quite well. 3. Though the characters are animalistic, they feel like genuine beings with souls and characters to them. 4. This story and animation shocked me emotionally. It is not common when I see animations that I feel emotion, but I really felt it here, as many others appear to have attested. 5. Whether it was intended or not, there are a lot of things to learn from this animation, both in terms of things good and wholesome, as well as things stark and blunt. Things I am somewhat critical of: 1. The ending, though it made sense, urked me mainly due to the vixen's actions. 2. While I believe that the story itself seemed to be a presentation on the importance of sacrifice and giving of one self to another so that they may thrive, the story could have been presented a bit differently. Anyway, here's the summary of things that could be learned from this. There's a lot in here that's worth processing and learning about. First thing's first: the charity and care you provide to another can have incredible lasting impacts on them. Another good theme from the story is that while the vixen's actions were questionable, her self control with the three baby rabbits was something to admire. Such self control was not easy to hold together and may not necessarily be justified, but it was something that many, including myself, can relate to. One more good theme that could be taken away from this was at the end, with the flower representing the vixen's grave, it could be inferred that the actions that she took to nourish and keep the baby rabbits alive was something that should not be forgotten. Who knows? Perhaps, the baby rabbits came back to that very spot, saw the flower, and could always remember that vixen on that day. Good deeds are not easily forgotten. Onto the more stark themes, I will start with one that hit me in the gut: pursuing your purpose in life should not be an obsession. To clarify, what I am trying to say is that there's a lot about life to be had, things to learn, people to interact with and befriend, places to explore and experience, to become 'someone'. This vixen threw most of those things away in trying to nourish and protect the rabbits. She lost a perhaps not perfect, but completely functional relatinoship with a fox, as well as lost her health, and then eventually, her life, to rabbits that had a low chance of survival. Another thing to take from this is, referencing the first critical point, is that a relationship that is not supported by both partners will eventually erode and crumble under its own weight. While the fox may not have had the best attitude in trying to care for his mate, the vixen appeared to not even want what he was trying to offer. He very likely felt that he was at least less important to her than the bunnies, and at worst, felt that he was without value in the bond with her entirely, so he moved on. Some might, with reason, critique me that I am treating these animals as if they were humans, and they would be partially right. The characters in here, while they certainly are animals, act in a way that is distinctly humanoid, with there being wordless arguements and gestures that partners in conflict might provide to one another in real life. The last major theme that one could take away from this is the unfortunate detail that sacrificing everything does not always make it worth it. As some people in these comments have mentioned, the cost of the sacrifice appears to have outweighed the benefits. Sure, three rabbits lived for now, but she lost the potential to have her own kits, lost her mate, her health... everything. In life, sacrifice is often necessary, but if it outweighs the benefits, all that remains is pain from feeling like things could have been done differently to reach some goal. To conclude, I am not attempting to diss on this project. Though, I confess, I am urked by the ending of the story, it provided so many things worth thinking about and learning about! The feeling of getting punched in the gut and feeling sorrowful is far from common in my experience. The impact of this story was astounding! From learning more about the value of life and charity for others, the importance of having two partners build each other up in a relationship, among other things, this was... beautiful in teaching all of this, whether or not it was intended. I don't know how many people will agree with what I have described and perhaps they learned other things I did not pick up on, but I wanted to share my thoughts here either way. To the animator of this story, well done and thank you!

[@KonikaTheWhiteChihuahua]

why doesn't this have more likes? A deep analysis as this deserves more

[@discordiacreates6669]

​@@KonikaTheWhiteChihuahuatoo many people are sleeping on this comment, I also think this has some really good themes but also some... Not good behavior that a lotta other commenters seem to really like, which is kinda sad imo. Like this is a toxic, self destructive relationship in a gorgeous, high quality animation but I think people are likely missing the troubling points or refusing to look and that's why this isn't getting more likes, because op disagree on some key points but this is constructive criticism and it's good. I'm also a bit irked by the ending as well, being one of, apparently the few that know foxes are omnivores and would be raiding gardens alongside those rabbits instead of leaving them to work alone. Food is food and irl foxes aren't picky eaters and can digest a lot more then people think, but I never came into this expecting a biologically accurate fox from an animation with a fox with very human expressions and mannerisms adopting a trio of nearly full grown rabbits Sometimes it's good to be taught that one sometimes must sacrifice for a just cause, though this doesn't have any limits and that's where I call it toxic, because self sacrifice is one thing but being a martyr is a different thing and not a goal I believe people should strive for. Do, however, love though that this is a story about adopted family because some people don't understand the importance of family or that family... Isn't only confined by blood relations and that part is a great takeaway imo. Starving yourself to death over a few rabbits that're full grown by that point though... Esh

[@TheLeanBaker]

​@discordiacreates6669 , you would be correct. At the time i wrote my thoughts, I didn't really take the time to analyze the relationship between the fox and the vixen better. You make a good point when you mentioned that the relationship is indeed a toxic one. Without a doubt, when I look back on it now, I can definitely see that the relationship was farther from perfect than i initially realized. As for the rest of what you described, I could very well agree with that. Now I know more about foxes too, lol! Either way, thank you for your thoughts, as that was quite enlightening!

[@discordiacreates6669]

@@TheLeanBaker yeah the problems with this short film still doesn't take away from the visual beauty from it, I'm just glad that at least a portion of viewers realize the problems and don't idolize this as the romantic story it really isn't. If only I had any animating skills though, I love foxes and would make my own fox related content with my knowledge of them, and even strive to look up even more info, but for now I do hope others continue making more fox content and use more accurate depictions in the future because they're honestly awesome enough on their own without trying to overly humanize them. Coyotes as well, many may see them as a pest and annoying loudmouths for how hardy they are, but they're actually great parents and I gotta respect that Forgot to add, and you're welcome, as well as thanks for taking my comment into consideration and finding any of it valuable or useful to you, that's the highest praise I can ask for as a random internet stranger imo so yeah ^^' glad to have given ya some fun info to do what you will with

[@infinixx9881]

Really adorable and heart touching. I nearly cried at the end.

[@Scrappy_fox]

Same 😢

[@rembell3592]

Очень трогательно то что леса заботилась о них совсем не думая о себе и в тоже время очень жалко ее. Спасибо большое то что зделали эту анимацию ❤️💕

[@nevaehcailyinkam]

Translation: It is very touching that the fox took care of them without thinking about herself at all and at the same time it is very pitiful for her. Thank you very much for making this animation❤💕

[@Кыскивмиске]

Bruh you failed to translate it correctly, get out

[@Dawn-v8t]

How do you know?

[@Gabriel888Raccoon]

0:45 the little hops of the baby bunnies 😭 aawwww😭🤗😊😭

[@PeachyFairyFox]

The animation is beautiful and fluid. The bunnies are adorably delightful. I can tell a lot of love and hard work went into this. I was curious about the ending [spoilers] was the vixen suicidal? I ask because foxes are omnivores. She could have sustained herself for a short while on berries and eggs. Bunnies mature quickly so she would have been alive when they left. She also could have hunted at dawn and dusk when the bunnies slept. Or eaten behind a bush where they couldn't see. So it seems like she wanted to die but why?

[@MoonyToons_776]

i think she couldn't bring herself to eat any kind of prey because she grew fond of her children. that would be hypocrite from her to eat their similars behind their backs

[@discordiacreates6669]

​@@MoonyToons_776yes I think that so as well, but op here is right, the fox could've survived on the same diet as the baby rabbits and they really would be independent by a few months old, not nearly as long as winter, so question still stands. I think the answer though is actually two parts, the first being the person/people behind this don't actually know about fox biology and chose the species for the visuals when this would make more sense using a true carnivore like a wolf or badger (those might also be omnivores though) so they're just going off inaccurate representations of foxes as obligate carnivores when they actually like berries and some other plants. The other part though is I believe the rabbits were fully mature by the time that the first snow fell and didn't stay due to food dependence but social dependence as rabbits are highly social creatures and stay multiple generations in the same warren, so they 100% could've left soon after she adopted them and simply didn't because it was a codependent relationship socially I get why someone would ask if the fox vixen is suicidal though, because if the creator(s) knew foxes are omnivores and 100% woulda munched on that lettuce with the rabbits near the end, well... Ya really don't have much else for logical options, so either fox wanted to go or the creator(s) didn't do their homework. Good animation and beautiful visuals though, it's just not biologically sound is all

[@Shelly017]

@@discordiacreates6669maybe the fox was sad that her mate was gone, and that the bunnies also reminded her of a pasts litter she lost?

[@Lukeplays6O]

Maybe she felt that if she could complete the unfinished duties of the rabbit mother and raise the litter, as well as fulfill the things she never could with her own litter, she could die peacefully and happily. Idk, just my thouhts

[@discordiacreates6669]

@@Shelly017 still doesn't make any sense at all from a natural perspective and it's her own fault her mate left her after she refused every attempt he made to help her, but I think I might've already said in this thread, unless it was on a different comment, these creatures are obviously humanized so not like much logic can really be applied since they're not actually animals, this story would barely change if the characters were humans since they're just stand-ins for human characters so eh, probably true, still gonna nitpick a bit though on how not taking this as a purely human story with animal masks paints foxes in an inaccurate light, because I love foxes and actually like this animation, otherwise I wouldn't care at all about its shortcomings. Tough love, but I'd actually love to see more of this, it's just a couple things I don't 100% like is all. No fault in anyone that enjoys and doesn't find any fault in it though, is just how I see things

[@irishlad8118]

:'( this was a great animation but it pulled my heart

[@Goofy_Glory]

Aren’t foxes omnivores

[@tatterbug08]

Yep. But atleast it’s a good animation

[@ARIANNASENESI]

@@tatterbug08true it’s a good animation,and I like how the fox protects the bunny family and doesn’t eat them,it’s so nice of them and fox’s are pretty sneaky sometimes but at least this one is nice! Btw I like the video it’s cool, never kill bunnys or familys of bunnys EDIT:omg mom I’m famous🎉🎉 or not!……maybe…….

[@lisamcminn4770]

Wait they are 🤣

[@Why-vl5zw]

In fact, they are, but animal protein is still part of the diet of foxes, it is important although not strict. Logically the female fox need not have died or been deprived of food. But come on, it's a short film, let's cry about it. HAHAH

[@Ojshorts69]

Actually, foxes are omnivores they might be predators and they eat meat, but they can still eat berries and other fruits they might even be able to eat vegetables 🤓☝️

[@kingthebingg9433]

This broke my heart. Nice film!

[@benjaminvance8142]

I thought this was pretty good. I've been observing a student animation production for quite some time now, and I have more respect for those who take the time to make animated shorts. I hope to make my own someday.

[@Icey_FoxVB]

Oh my goodness. I was not expecting to cry so much the second or third time I watched this. I may be biased, but specifically seeing a *fox* die while having only the best interest for the bunnies in mind was absolutely heartbreaking.

[@msp7724]

The way her heart was racing because she was so hungry! 🥺🥺🥺

[@TheSapphireLeo]

If she went for fruit and leaves, she'd have been fine? Also we already want to be breatharian, if not forcefed?

[@AdelLau-m6d]

It's so cute to see that fox is raising the three little bunny with her pure heart🥰🥰😍😍😍

[@sapphire1045]

This is literally the best short animation I have ever seen

[@The_Alien_Person]

I loved this animation! Though it was sad to see the fox pass,the fact she gave her life for the rabbits warms me a bit on the inside.

[@mintwidow883]

This is just amazing. I hope you go on to create more, because this is just- let me give a list of how this is better than Disney. Firstly, the animation is amazing, you practically redraw each of them in every frame if one moves a BIT! the lines are amazing, I mean, lines! You have to redraw those then put in color! Secondly, the shading! You make the shading look amazing, again, even with the frames done over and over, and having to redraw it when you move the character! And lastly, the plot! Even if you don’t tell us the plot itself, you give us an amazing outline of what it is through this! That’s lastly bc I could go on and on- goodbye now.

[@alphonsejohnson5601]

And it teaches us a loving and wholesome lesson: A mother will love, cherish and do anything for her children, and will give up her life for them, even the children are biologically hers. I just love it.♥️♥️♥️

[@overgrownedroses302]

@@alphonsejohnson5601 What? that doenst make sense

[@alphonsejohnson5601]

@@overgrownedroses302 What doesn't make sense? Im just taking a lesson from the video, about how just because a adopted child/ children isn't blood related to you, doesn't mean that they are not your children. That fox took those bunnies in as her own and she loved them and did the best she could to protect them. And in the end, she died happy knowing that those bunnies have a life of their own. The same as with a parent and their adopted children.

[@xeniumfox]

Your fox designs are sooo cuteee! Loved it!! That shot where she almost goes to eat them is so good. Loved the expression in her face ah.

[@Purpl3Gurl]

Theory: 0:23 the male fox carried a bigger bunny in his mouth, I think it was the little bunnies mother, and the fox realised it, that's why she took care of the bunnies

[@spinel1299]

The ending was so wholesome. Made me cry.🥲

[@Roomtempsprite]

This is awesome! I personally think that I would’ve preferred the ending of the rabbits sacrificing themselves to the mama fox, seeing how much she is suffering from taking care of them. And of course at first she would be hesitant to eat them, but then realize that if she wants to survive, it is what she must do. The bunnies would also be fine with this in a thanks for saving them, at the mama fox could’ve just ate them but she didn’t. Overall this was a good movie and I really loved it! I just wanted to say and alternate ending that I think would’ve wrapped up the story better, in a more meaningful way. But that’s just my opinion.

[@sharpieton]

Ehh idk that feels like it’s been done before or predictable

[@benzelwasington4059]

You Cant really expect that from kits

[@amcanerovna4397]

I think that's kind of the point? Every sacrifice made for her children is a "small sacrifice" for the/a mother, even if it ultimately costs her her life. I felt like at the end the little bunnies realised that their presence is somehow hurting the mum and that's why they left? So that she could eat again without worrying again? I had a stray thought the bunnies could kill something and bring it to the fox to eat. The white bunny especially seemed like the kind of fella who would figure out explosives and would not hesitate to use them. Big Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog vibes from that little dude. What made me scream was the mother's reluctance to eat the squirrel he-fox caught for her. Just eat behind a bush or something!

[@Rainn8426]

I have the same opinion

[@jahniyahbullard5983]

you have a good idea but I like the Original Better Because that's what Mothers in real life have to go through to make sure their children live a good life and Progress. at least most of the time anyway

[@FauxPasFoxMedia]

Such a sweet little animation. So many ideas were carried through it with not a single word being spoken. Good job. I wish more people produced works like this.

[@frozensilence6173]

Amazing video. Hesrt wrenching and beautiful.

[@kronos2377]

it's so cute and expressive, i really loved the animation so much i still wanted a happy ending, i couldn't help but appreciate the cuteness

[@ShiraTheGriffin]

Good, smooth animation. I think the first fox wanted to help the little rabbits because (Ahem) they killed their mother. The second (the one who lived with him) fox wanted to eat the rabbits and "talk some sense into" the first one. The first fox rejected him and didn't want to listen to him. Then the second left his cave. The first fox went to the garden with the rabbits to eat the cabbage, but then the dog found them and they had to run away. The fox was tired of all this, he couldn't hunt. So the rabbits left... I don't know if it's true, but I understand it as if the first fox died of cold at the end... 😭

[@Bob_theCoolguy]

this made me cry 😭😭😭 yall did an amazing job i was so sad becuse the female fox gave her life up for the tiny rabbits and she lost her mate and everything she didn't even eat becuse she didn't want to eat the rabbits or scare them by eating meat, and i feel as this is a sad animation.even if so it probably took atleast a while to make,Or no Time at all.ya see i love foxes and this is very emotional for me and this kind female fox gave her life up for the rabbits,lost her mate,and lied down to rest in peace and let her soul free.even making this comment i started to cry a little.Every good job guys.if this happend in real life i would cry every day becuse of that fox because she gave all her love and emotion to those three rabbits ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤✨😭😭😭😭✨✨✨👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😖😖😖😚👍🏻👍🏻

[@dizzyorbit]

That was so sad, I loved this, its so good, I like these sort of things where it really makes you care about the characters!

[@matthewboire6843]

Short films are so incredibly good. I noticed that foxes are a common animal for short films, not sure why but I like it.

[@click4dylan2]

:3

[@sleepingpegasus3796]

The lack of words honestly adds to this. None of them needed to say anything and yet you still understood what was going on

[@swagincarnate5217]

Spine tingling, heart wrenching, genre defining, character driven, gemerald

[@BugJonsin]

Amazing. Just found this. It is a tear jerker as it was created to be. My take on it, is that she was never able to have kits. She was sick for a long time and knew her time was coming. It looked like her mate killed the momma rabbit and she surrogated them to fill her empty motherhood. In the end, the light shown upon her face. She new that her creator had opened the doors for her and she smiled in the warmth. With one last breath, she was given the gift of entering the creators kingdom, of paradise, peace and eternal love. Interpret it as you wish. Powerful piece none the less. I hope the film maker has great success with their career.

[@namelessnavnls8060]

And what a beautiful, touching and noble sacrifice it was.

[@barbaraventre9865]

Cassie you r so so talented! You will definitely go far! The Ventres r so proud of you. Love Mrs Ventre

[@Dragon_Dogs]

The animation is perfect. The characters are perfect. I love it

[@B1rakul0us1yflare14]

They are so freaking *adorable!* 💖

[@krispyboi9162]

Well...now some trio of bunnies know how to hunt for prey, so that's a problem. But other than that concern, this was a perfect animation, from the music, to the sound effects, and the story telling without saying a word. Its amazing!

[@MrBadGuy298]

*rabbits

[@krispyboi9162]

@@MrBadGuy298 yeah, rabbits. My bad. :)

[@MilkyWayMarsBar]

This animation is so beautiful! The ending really got me choked up 😭

[@tonygriego6382]

This was very beautiful, with a bittersweet ending. I usually don't tear up for things easily but...

[@HazySkies]

Nature and nurture, loss and compassion. This was amazing! 💕🦊🐇🐇🐇 Most foxes are omnivorous, and could make do with the same diet as a herbivore for a while, but that realism would make for a less interesting and contrasting story. I could imagine an alternative version where the nurturing vixen begins to wither over time, knowing full well that she would eventually perish should she continue to avoid what her nature drives her to.

[@kingthesabertooth]

I was not expecting to cry tonight Beautiful animation, would love to see more like this

[@justme-_-3836]

Emotional, I love the amazing animations! Definitely a 5 star, part 2 maybe? Feels a tiny bit unfinished without a part 2, but totally up to you!

[@Мопс_001]

Unfinished where? Didn't mother fox already passed away? Or do you mean her ressurecting lmao

[@justme-_-3836]

@@Мопс_001 I realize that know... It's actually finished, sorry!

[@velox2243]

Ojalá haya una segunda parte

[@OtterPxp]

I love the detail of how the female fox seems to be getting thinner and weaker overtime, judging by the rib lines on her stomach at that one point and her shaky movement at other certain parts. This was also just really sad, rip fox

[@lindatinerballengerballeng1093]

The drawings are so beautiful and the animations are so good I love it

[@edlawler8536]

So beautifully done!!

[@Brightoosve]

Wonderful animation! such a touching story, this fox girl is so cute! I love it.😢😍🦊

[@bekazebra9241]

You're doing great! Congratulations on your first short film!

[@sundraAnimations]

Awe what a master piece great job!!!

[@GlitzFazDragon]

Probably a years or mores work for a 6 min vid, truly amazing

[@TheLadOfMad]

a very beautiful and sad animation. the art is amazing and so is the animation. great job! this was definitely worth pausing my music to watch.

[@Jayfeather_lover]

Great animations first off. And the vixen made me really angry for some reason even tho it’s fake, predators are supposed to *eat* prey, not take them in and raise them, I guess it would be fine if it weren’t for the fact she literally starved herself for them, and I feel bad for the male, he clearly loved her, he got annoyed when the vixen brought the rabbits but he was overall understanding, when the vixen didn’t catch the squirrel he went to get it and offered it to her because he’s her mate, but she declined it, the male realized that as long as the bunnies stay his mate will starve herself, so he tried to get rid of them, but the vixen chose three bunnies over her mate and the male couldn’t stay and watch her starve herself for some bunnies anymore, so he left

[@vladflorinletea7578]

I tried to hold back my tears, it was so hard. The animation was amazing, but how the fox sacrificed himself made me just so....I have no words to describe this, this is SO amazing!

[@LeonardGreenpaw]

It's a terrible day for rain

[@SuoCat-nf7vq]

This art is so amazing, and I very like the foxes foxes are so cute and adorable and I really like that fox orange and yellow. I really like her and I really like her because she not eat a bunnies. >333

[@puffanimates]

I think some people are missing the point of the short, yes it would've been better in terms of survival to stay with her mate and or eat the baby rabbits and not have given up everything for them, but she wasn't thinking about her own survival she was thinking of the survival of her new babies, it wasn't about what would've been best for her, it was about how worth it was to her to dedicate herself and her life to her new babies, it wasn't practical for survival but it was worth everything to HER that her new babies survived. She didn't do it for her she did it for them. She was happy with her choice even though it resulted in her death. She found a purpose in these bunnies, it may not have been worth the effort to other foxes who see it as pointless since they aren't baby foxes but she felt it was and it was her choice to make sure they grew up enough to survive on their own. Edit: I do want to say that while I see the message her mate isn't to blame either, he saw she was no longer eating to the point of complete self destruction over what he considers to be live hamburgers and wanted to end that lest it be detrimental to both their survivals, and in the end he rightfully chose to leave, they both made choices they felt were best.

[@bolivianogranpro]

wow I think it's a good animation I think the fox will never hurt and neither eat rabbits, and I think he wants to defend to help escape and the end was very nice but a little sad that's alone I think people are going to react. I think this is a good jewel I hope it's number one

[@alexlopex1859]

This is the best animation. I have even seen so much pression, so much empathy, and so story the goes both happy and sad ending. I wish but I can't but still I wish to run up to the Mrs fox give some biggest meal to live and see the fox raising her baby bunnies again and as beautiful family.

[@germanicvixen1588]

am i the only one that hoped for the bunnys to return with prey they hunted XD ?

[@chihex8966]

Ngl, i'd have definitely eaten those bunnies when i got the chance. Since the Vixen had a mate, and it was this close to winter, she especially needed to store fat as it's harder to get prey in winter, and she's likely expecting kits already. What WolfQuest (Anniversary edition) has taught me, is, kill the young, feed your own instead, and hunt at every given opportunity cause you never know when you might be attacked, and wounded bad enough you can't go hunting.

[@kammy671]

Am i the only one that think the male fox is handsome?

[@Veilisaturd]

Zoo

[@ashesteele]

I noticed no one pointed this out, but foxes are omnivores. She could have eaten plants.

[@Thevillansedit530]

This has got to be the BEST animation I have ever seen, new sub! I love this! It’s so good!

[@ISny-r4s]

Who’s here in 2024? 👇

[@DianaKhorzom]

Me

[@RBradley-ie2xj]

Me

[@Sabrina-z5h]

Me!

[@glucosetv5334]

Me

[@TwigPaws]

Me 😊

[@elbuenpolloLoquendero]

i think it's a good nostalgia she protects rabbits rather than the fox is very faithful but very sad that fired rabbits now is just very good animation. I hope you're a good animator in the world

[@matveyxivan7159]

ik alot of people are like "oh what a good mom starving herself for her babies" but tbh i see a completely different side to this- it's more "you need to take care of yourself in order to provide for others" also even if there wasnt real logic being applied like someone else had said, the mother coulda eaten at night while the babies were asleep-

[@edtazrael]

This. You are useless for your childen if you can't function properly. Many of those themes miss thant entirely.

[@Goremize]

Especially as in the wild most children die without a capable mother. That and their bunnies with much shorter life spans then foxes, They are designed to breed and multiply, millions of bunnies are designed to die so that carnivores can live. The story is just bad and lacks any sense of logic. She literately could have made 0 sacrifices, lived and still had the bunnies not die. She is a fox. They can eat berries and other sources of food even if she didn't want meat.

[@BlueberryTheDeerYT]

Wow… it’s so pure… thanks…. I needed this