UNICEF's first adult-only episode of "The Smurfs," in which the blue-skinned cartoon characters' village is annihilated by warplanes, has terrified young children.
The short but chilling film is to be broadcast on national television this week as a campaign advertisement for a fundraising drive by the U.N. children's agency.
The animation was approved by the family of the Smurfs' late creator, "Peyo."
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The Smurfs scatter and run in vain from the whistling bombs, before being felled by blast waves and fiery explosions. The final scene shows a scorched and tattered Baby Smurf sobbing inconsolably, surrounded by prone Smurfs.At least they're honest about it.
The final frame bears the message: "Don't let war affect the lives of children."
It is intended as part of a fundraising drive by UNICEF's Belgian arm to raise more than $100,000 for the rehabilitation of former child soldiers in Burundi.
Philippe Henon, a spokesman for UNICEF Belgium, said his agency had set out to shock...This is set to air in Belgium, where apparently scenes of the real horrors of war aren't frightening enough to make people cough up money.
