smooth can be achieved....such as in this Modo render

http://www.luxology.com/gallery/video/view.aspx?id=58

but at what cost, and for what purpose. I'd bet they used 100% straight raytrace for that.

Animation is for story telling. The artist must "animate" (bring to life) the human gestures that convey meaning. This is a far diffeent mission that for a still.