The Magic Mountain , an animated docu-drama, tells life of Adam Jecek Winkler, a Polish anti-communist dissident and mountain climber in the style of autobiography. It begins with a view of an endless stretch of the Panjshir Valley in Afghanistan. Suggesting that this is both from Adam’s point of view and his inner vision, the valley tinted through a mixture of blue and blood red is visualized through an image of eyes. Adam’s turbulent life—caught in a maelstrom of history—is one of survival hinging on principles applied to mountain climbing and to life. The film evolves in the form of a letter from father to daughter, and through dialogue. The author’s voice tells a story within the film—a film-within-a-film, a story-within-a-story—and there is also a story about the film narrative. This multi-layered structure offers up Adam’s tough and chaotic life by mixing animation techniques. Icons of goats, horses, birds and delightful music add a humorous touch to the story of Adam’s harsh life. The Magic Mountain is Anca Damian’s fourth feature film. (Lee Seung-min)