A shame, that such a visually arresting film with such clever details and creative ideas could not ultimately make good on them. At the end of the movie, when you know the genuinely compelling secret of what the nine little dolls are, why it matters what they are. The ideas are introduced, then dropped on the floor by a plot that bears no relation to them. I loved the movie when it felt like it was going somewhere, and I was very sorry when I realized it wasn't.

Still, I must marginally recommend the film, if only because it is so unlike anything else I've ever seen, with gorgeous visuals to match. I couldn't help but love these little characters. If only the story had shared my compassion for them.