Educational Media Reviews Online

Tête à Tête à Tête is “one of a series of ShowPeace animated films on conflict resolution.” The container also describes the film as “a playful commentary on how our tendency to judge others for being different can threaten close relationships.” In addition, the animation examines “conflicts with those who are close to you and explores issues of conformity and tolerance for difference.” To accomplish the above goals in a short 13 minute animated film is a challenging venture but a wonderful opportunity to explore new ways of presenting information on a subject that is difficult to visually represent, especially for children.

Travel to an imaginary world of threes with bees landing on three flowers, three trees, three birds making landing on three birdbaths, and the main character, a three headed horse. The viewer sees a normal day for the horse but what happens when the mind of one of the horses decides to do things differently on a different day? This one act of difference allows the film to focus on conformity and tolerance. The animation, although with music, is without the benefit of words and challenges the viewer to use imagination to understand the events.

The depiction of the conflict and solutions are obvious yet subtle as you try to understand the meaning inherent in the animation. The music, action and description of the resolution when a tolerant mind of another three headed horse, although different in color, shows how care helps to influence the resolution of the conflict. Although it is advertised as appropriate for grades 5-12, this age group will need skillful guidance by a teacher or adult to help clarify, illuminate, and understand the concepts as promoted on the video container. Ironically, this age group will probably benefit the most from the film when accompanied with adequate and intelligent discussion.

This is a good supplementary addition for collections in child development and sociology. Recommended with reservations.