Watch The Sweater

The Sweater is a heartwarming Canadian short film from 1980. The movie is based on the short story "The Hockey Sweater" by Roch Carrier, who also stars in the film as the main character. The film is directed by Sheldon Cohen, and Jean-Guy Moreau plays the role of the Narrator. The story takes place in a small Quebec town during the 1940s. The protagonist, Roch, is a ten-year-old boy who is obsessed with playing ice hockey. He idolizes Montreal Canadiens hockey player Jean Béliveau and dreams of becoming just like him. Roch's world revolves around hockey, and he spends all his time thinking about the game, watching it on TV, and playing with his friends.

One day, disaster strikes. Roch's favorite hockey sweater, which bears the Montreal Canadiens logo, is completely worn out and too small for him. Roch's mother orders a new one from the Eaton's catalogue, but instead of the Montreal Canadiens logo, she mistakenly orders a Toronto Maple Leafs sweater. Roch is devastated when he receives the new sweater and frantically pleads with his mother to send it back for an exchange, but she insists that it is too late.

With no other options, Roch reluctantly wears the Toronto Maple Leafs sweater to his next hockey game. He is mercilessly teased and taunted by his friends and rivals for wearing the sweater of the Canadiens' greatest rivals. Roch is humiliated, and he feels that he has lost his identity as a hockey player.

The Sweater is a heartwarming story of childhood disappointment, perseverance, and growing up. The film perfectly captures the innocence and magic of childhood, and the hockey theme resonates with audiences far beyond Canada's borders. The film's portrayal of the Canadian passion for hockey is both humorous and touching. Roch's desire to become like Jean Béliveau is a reflection of the wider Canadian obsession with hockey.

The movie is not only about hockey, but it is also a story about identity, belonging, and nationalism. The Sweater takes place during a time in Canada where Quebec's separatist movement was gaining momentum, and there were tensions between English-speaking and French-speaking Canadians. The film subtly addresses the issue of identity politics in the context of a small Quebec town. The film's message is not to give up on your identity because of society's expectations or even your own misplaced pride. Roch's realization that his identity is not defined solely by the sweater he wears is a powerful message that transcends the hockey theme of the film.

The Sweater is a nostalgic film that will remind viewers of the innocence of childhood, the power of a simple piece of clothing, and the passion for a sport that is beloved in Canada and around the world. The movie has won many awards, including the Best Animation Film Award at the 1980 British Academy Film Awards. The movie's animation technique is stop-motion, and it is done very well. The visuals are simple, yet precise and detailed, and the character designs are charming, giving a vintage charm to the film.

In conclusion, The Sweater is a classic Canadian film that has earned its place in Canadian cultural heritage. It is a story about childhood, hockey, identity, and belonging. Roch's story is both humorous and poignant and has resonated with audiences well beyond Canada. The Sweater is an animation film that is still relevant today, and its message of perseverance, self-discovery, and identity is one that remains timeless.

The Sweater is a 1980 animated movie with a runtime of 10 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.