"Balance", Christoph and Wolfgang Lauenstein (1989)

"allegory (n.) - the representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form."

While many animated films can be read at an allegorical level to some extent, "Balance" conveys it's "abstract ideas" with particular clarity. By removing traditional film-making artifices (character, setting, dialogue etc.), we are shown a portrait of the delicate balance between greed and fear that characterises human economic activity.

The film was made by the Lauenstein twins whilst enrolled at the School of Fine Arts in Hamburg, Germany. It won them the Academy Award for Short Animation in 1989

References

Answers -
"allegory" (retrieved 23.10.09)

Wikipedia - Balance_(film) (retrieved 23.10.09)

Wikipedia - Wolfgang_Lauenstein (retrieved 23.10.09)

"Le Moine et le Poisson", Michel Dudok de Whit (1994)

I've included "The Monk and the Fish" this week mainly for it's finely crafted composition - in editing, animation timing and layout. Even if you're not interested in the film's allegorical dimensions, it's simply a joy to watch.

"The Monk and the Fish" was produced at Folimage Studios in France. The studio runs an annual artist in residence programme to allow the creation of such one-off, non-commercial projects. De Whit collaborated with composer Serge Besset to create the score, based on a piece by early baroque composer Corelli. The film was made using traditional hand-painted cels and watercolour backgrounds, was nominated for an Oscar at the 67th Academy Awards, and won the Best Short Animation at the 48th BAFTA Awards.

Bibliography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Monk_and_the_Fish
http://www.awn.com/gallery/folimage/