Hoofs on Skates is a stop-motion animation film bursting with charm and humour. The little pig and cow make for a perfect slapstick duo. One is a twirling virtuoso — which doesn't stop him from falling sometimes! — and the other appears more clumsy but has no shortage of resourcefulness! The two friends help and complement each other, and enjoy being together despite their differences. The film plays heavily on their physical appearances: one is slender while the other has a bulkier body, one has wobbling udders, the other
a spring-loaded corkscrew tail.
The animation of the puppet characters is fluid and precise and deftly adds touch of fantasy thanks to some delightful details. The rhythmic and catchy music wonderfully accompanies the gliding movements, also emphasising the stops, breaks and changes in tone. The onomatopoeia and rumbling sounds used by the characters, as well as the careful work on the sound effects, enrich the film's soundscape and make it all the funnier. Even in the more disturbing moments we always laugh at the characters and situations. Because our two accomplices seem quite fearful and ridiculous when they see the creature emerging from the depths. It may look monstrous but it ultimately turns out to be rather friendly. Perhaps we simply have to look beyond appearances and break the ice to realise that the Other is not necessarily so dangerous and different?
