Synopsys
Klaus is an animated 2019 Christmas movie directed by Sergio Pablos and produced by Netflix alongside The SPA Studios. Unlike other Christmas movies, this one does not rely on folklore, mythology, or magic. Instead, it’s a thoughtful film that emphasizes the kindheartedness of humanity, the transformative power of kindness, and the integration of a community. The film is a new, unique portrayal of Santa Claus. Its animation is spectacular and it is a new perspective on the Christmas traditions we observe today.
Something new about this Christmas movie is that it does not begin with Santa Claus. The movie begins with a young man named Jesper Johansen. His father worked very hard to become the Royal Postmaster General of the kingdom. Jesper, however, is spoiled and does nothing to develop himself. He even naps at the royal postal academy. To change this, Jesper’s father sets a challenge. He says whoever does not spend the family’s wealth must go to the north to Smeerensburg, an island town. There, Jesper must accomplish setting up a post office and deliver six thousand letters within a year or cut himself from the family wealth forever.
When Jesper gets to Smeerensburg, his life is changed. The town is dark and lifeless. Most importantly, it’s at war. The two biggest families, Ellingboes and Krump, have been fighting for many generations. Their hatred does not even allow them to see the benefits of letters. Openeing letters and enjoyed doing it. Their hatred blind them of the bigger picture. Smeerensburg, a land of golden opportunity, has been forgotten.
To Jesper, this job might appear to be an impossible mountain to climb, until he meets a quirky eccentric such as Klaus—a recluse, a purveyor of handmade wooden toys, and a sad figure who lives alone in a cabin. Though Klaus rarely utters a word, he carries a considerable amount of sorrow in the depths of his heart and a gentle spirit buried underneath.
On one such occasion, Jesper, who works as a courier, is put in charge of the delivery of a sad drawing to Klaus and, in exchange, glances at a toy. A rumor begins to circulate in town, giving birth to a torrent of missives in which children expressed their hope of obtaining a toy. Taking advantage of the situation, Jesper encourages students to compose letters, to which Klaus silently responds with gifts. This allows Jesper to meet his quota and allows Klaus, who is deeply touched by the delight of the children, to fulfill his purpose.
Unbeknownst to them, the two initiate a process of change. In the beginning, the children of Smeerensburg were filled with rage, sadness, and depression. Little by little, the children began to giggle and scream and even play with one another. Their gradually evolving elation began to have an effect on the older people in the region, who, after a long time, were finally motivated to replace the aggressive behavior with acts of kindness. The transformation that befell the town was gradual. It was an effect birthed from the spirit of giving, companionship, and goodwill.
As their endeavor advances, Jesper and Klaus encounter opposition from the clan leaders, who perceive the growing unity as detrimental to their dominion. At the same time Jesper begins his self reflection. What started as a self-centered quest metamorphoses into something profound. He comes to understand the essence of connection, selflessness, and genuine spirit.
Klaus too, undergoes a form of catharsis. He discloses some parts of his life. He once had a wife called Lydia and together they envisioned having a family. However, she succumbed to death before their aspirations could come to fruition, and Klaus constructed toys for the children they were unable to bear. Klaus rediscovers his sense of purpose through the collaboration he has with Jesper, and the children’s elation facilitates his healing process.
Jesper’s life is depicted through the incorporation of the climax of the story. It is one filled with tension, and a significant amount of both humorous and emotional depth. He has to decide if he wishes to return to the life of luxury he had, or to pursue the new path he has found and one which is filled with meaning. Ultimately, the town is a complete contrast to what it was prior and has changed into a happy community filled with cooperation and joy. Jesper has, without a doubt, changed, and has thus decided to remain in Smeerensburg. His departure from the story is a peaceful one, and he leaves behind a legacy which serves as the basis for the Santa Claus legend.
Cast and Crew
Primary Voice Cast
Jason Schwartzman as Jesper Johansen
A pampered and cynical young man who develops into a gentle and responsible person.
J.K. Simmons as Klaus
The heart of the film. A strong, silent woodsman with a tragic history.
Rashida Jones as Alva
A school teacher who has lost her sense of purpose only to gain it back with the help of the town’s transformation and Jesper’s relentless pursuit.
Joan Cusack as Mrs. Krum
A clan leader who wishes to keep the feud alive and resists change.
Most notably voice acted by Will Sasso and Norm Macdonald (in one of his last roles).
Crew
Director, Klaus: Sergio Pablos
Sergio Pablos, along with Chris Meledandri, co-created Despicable Me, and this is the first film he has directed.
Producers: Sergio Pablos, Jinko Gotoh, and Marisa Román
Screenplay: Sergio Pablos, Zach Lewis, and Jim Mahoney
Alfonso G. Aguilar
The score is understated yet poignant, featuring original songs that elevate the mood of the narrative.
Animation Studio: The SPA Studios
Klaus’s unique and timeless visual style is a result of SPA Studios’ traditional animation and contemporary digital integration.
Klaus has a remarkable score of 8.2 out of 10 on IMDb.
Both critics and audiences agreed that the film’s animation is exquisite and storytelling novel with potent feelings. Which is why, under the direction of Sergio Pablos, the film’s been nominated for the 2020 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and won a multitude of film festival and critics’ association awards.
Along with its original and deeply human approach, the balance of humor, emotion, and impactful messaging of the film is why viewers consider the Klaus to be a modern holiday classic.
Themes and Interpretation
The Power of Kindness
The primary Klaus teaching revolves around the model of “one act of kindness is the beginning of many”. Whenever children get to writing letters, the vigorous younglings who receive gifts express pure joy. The joy they emit alters the entire town with a wave of kindness, compassion, and generosity.
Redemption and Growth
One of the strongest themes, which almost all the characters embody, is ‘people can change’. Jesper’s transition from a selfish young man to a charitable, to the town, self-aware person is the most prominent example. His journey should serve as a reminder to all that there’s no expiry date on becoming the best version of yourself.
Grief and Healing
Klaus’s backstory is one that many can relate to, and also portrays the pain and sadness grief brings. The journey of reconnecting with joy and healing is both subtle and filled with emotion. With grief, people metaphorically, can be isolated. Klaus gently silences that notion with his relationships with children.
Social and Cultural Integration
Initially, Smeerensburg is a town torn asunder by customs and trepidation.
With the help of Klaus and Jesper, the town discovers the beauty and meaning of unity and altruism for a more satisfying and enriched lifestyle.
Animation and Creative Direction
Klaus, similar to other movies, is placed within a specific frame of time and space. What makes Klaus a fascinating experience are the advanced animation techniques tailored for the film. These include fusing hand drawn animation with elaborate lighting and texturing to create a polish that makes the characters and settings rich, nearly 3D. The warm hues as well as the character designs invoke a captivating and welcoming aura accompanying the story that is further enhanced by the dusky, snowy fields.
Final Thoughts
Klaus is a film that goes beyond the confines of a holiday story, for it accentuates the need for altruism, bonds, and the selfess and passionate spirit of the season. The film has truly become a classic, praised for its artistry, engaging narrative, and the ability to resonate with viewers of every generation.
One of its many messages is that they teach us that legends do not come into being. Instead, they are created and built with every good deed. Be it the holiday’s or any time of the year, Klaus carries a pertinent statement; “Every act of true generosity evokes a sense of selfless liberty.”
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