Hawks

Abstract

In the vast, snow-covered village, the cold wind howls as a white blanket of snow stretches over the endless northern plains. Amid this frozen landscape, the story of a hawk and an aging couple flickers like a warm ember, bringing a touch of warmth to the serene beauty. "Hawks" (两隼) is a 2D animated film based on traditional Chinese history, especially the old practice of Aoying (熬鹰), or training hawks. The story follows the bond between the main characters and their hawk, showing both the beauty of nature and the complicated feelings between people. The animation blends in a lot of traditional Chinese painting styles and everyday cultural details—like weather, landscapes, clothing, food, and how people act in daily life. All of that helps make the world feel real and gives the audience a quiet look into Chinese culture through the visuals. At its core, it’s about the push and pull between duty and personal connection, and the quiet sacrifices people make to hold onto their roots.