The Praying Mantis

A cicada rests high on a tree, chirping and drinking dew, oblivious to the mantis lurking behind. The mantis bends over, arching its front leg, ready to catch the cicada, unaware that an oriole is beside it. The oriole stretches out its neck to peck at the mantis, but does not notice a weasel sneaking up from behind.

This short film, produced by Shanghai Animation Film Studio, uses Chinese ink wash painting technique. It is based on the ancient Chinese fable "The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind." The three creatures all covet gains ahead without being aware of the imminent danger behind them.