“Cars” (2006)

Cars

Brief Description:

An overconfident, conceited rookie race car, on his way to the biggest race of his life, gets stranded in the rundown town of Radiator Springs and learns a few life lessons from the residents.

(from Wikipedia, edited by me)

Date: 2006

Genre: American animated sports comedy film

Running time: 1 hour 56 minutes 

Cast: 

Owen Wilson (McQueen)

Paul Newman (Doc)

Bonnie Hunt (Sally)

Larry the Cable Guy (Mater)

Tony Shalhoub (Luigi)

Cheech Marin (Ramone)

Michael Wallis (Sheriff)

George Carlin (Fillmore)

Paul Dooley (Sarge)

Jenifer Lewis (Flo)

Guido Quaroni (Guido)

Richard Petty (“The King”)

Michael Keaton (Chick)

Katherine Helmond (Lizzie)

John Ratzenberger (Mack)

Joe Ranft (Red / Jerry Recycled Batteries)

Jeremy Piven (US) / Jeremy Clarkson (UK) as Harv

Bob Costas (Bob Cutlass)

Darrell Waltrip (Darrell Cartrip)

Humpy Wheeler (Tex Dinoco)

Lynda Petty (“The King’s” wife)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (“Junior”#8)

Michael Schumacher (Michael Schumacher Ferrari)

Tom and Ray Magliozzi (Rusty & Dusty Rust-eze)

Richard Kind and Edie McClurg (Van & Minny)

Lindsey Collins and Elissa Knight (Mia & Tia)

Mario Andretti (Mario Andretti#11)

Sarah Clark (Kori Turbowitz)

Jay Leno (Jay Limo)

Jonas Rivera (Boost)

E.J. Holowicki (DJ)

Adrian Ochoa (Wingo)

Lou Romano (Snot Rod)

Director: John Lasseter

Production company: Pixar Animation Studios & Walt Disney Pictures

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

OH MY STARS I love this film!!! I was familiar with the story, having read many Disney books about it; but I did not expect to love this film. I do like racing—some—so I enjoyed the racecar angle. But most of all, I love the feel. This is such a sweet, poignant tribute to the land we remember, whether it be America or another country. The shots of Mack on the highway through all that different scenery reminded me of my own childhood spent on deputation and cross-Canada trips. The nostalgia, and the appreciation of the beautiful countryside, made me cry. Then there is the bit about the land as it used to be, in the ’50s, with all that nostalgia… and I cried some more. I adore how this film focusses on the physical beauty around us and has breathtaking views… it’s amazing. 

Characters: 5/5

Oh, the characters. They are so, so amazing and heartwarming. McQueen, so brash and arrogant (and disgustingly flirty towards Sally at first), but quickly becoming a humbler, understanding young’un who realizes the difficulties of life and the need others have… and rises to the highest levels. Mater, uncouth but adorable, wholesome, and hilarious. Doc, bent, scarred, but not fully broken. Sally, who deliberately left a great future for a better present. Luigi & Guido, absolutely comedic reliefs but also a poignant nod to immigrants. Ramone & Flo, just adorably in love (and Flo is a great mother character). Sheriff & Sarge, two gruff, tenderhearted old fellows you just gotta love. Fillmore, who isn’t much of anything but without whom the picture isn’t complete; Lizzie, poor old lady; Red the sensitive, who marks Lightning’s lowest and highest moments in town; “The King,” his wife, and Tex Dinoco, hearty southern Americans; Mack, bluff and loveable; Harv, completely over his head (he barely figures but I feel sorry for the poor dude, lost in the rat race!); allllll the minor characters with so much life and expression… and that hateful Chick. 

They’re amazing. I didn’t think I could love cars so much. (and they are SO well done on screen. wow). 

Plot: 5/5

The plot is just as good as the characters. Lightning McQueen, the great rookie, manages to tie with “the King,” the top racecar, and his longtime competition, Chick Hicks, in the great Piston Cup race. The tie-breaker race is in California, but on the way there, McQueen gets separated from his transport, Mack, and blazes through Radiator Springs in a terror, trashing the main road utterly. Doc Hudson wants to send him away, but Sally, who adores the little town, is determined to make McQueen fix it before he leaves. At first McQueen is arrogant and impatient, angry and baffled that no one recognizes his fame or the legendary race he is to compete in, terrified of missing the race, and frustrated at being treated not like a celebrity for once. As he works away at the road, he beings to grow familiar with the inhabitants. From being rude and cocky enough to make everyone hate his guts, he slowly understands the love and peace that reign in this forgotten place… and starts to make friends for the first time. When it’s time to return to the real world, McQueen is shell-shocked and loses interest in the Cup… but his new friends won’t let him slack off on his biggest dream. 

It’s a slow, gentle, humorous film about a town stuck in the past and a race car lost in the fast lane. Together, they learn to find the middle ground. Friendship, a slowburn romance, humour, and plenty of life lessons await in Radiator Springs…

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

I adore the themes in here. The meaning of friendship. The need to step out of nostalgia into present life. The realization that the world’s fast life is meaningless compared to good, hearty things like laughter and love and nature. Facing old trauma and doing what’s best for everybody, not what “feels” good. Finding what’s really important in life, but also chasing the dreams that make you, you. Understanding people’s backstory and consequent emotions. Not quitting. Working hard. All solid, important lessons, wrapped up in subtle and not-so-subtle themes threaded throughout the film… 

And oh, that ending. The heights reached. The nobleness and depth of character and breadth of heart. It always hits me, every time. It’s amazing. 

Content: 5/5 (low)

Mild uncouth humour (basically 9-year-old boy humour) and euphemisms. 

Overall: 5/5

It is amazing. So beautiful. So funny. So deep. So vivid. One of my top favourite films ever… 

“Finding Nemo” (2003)

 Finding Nemo

Brief Description:

An overprotective clownfish named Marlin, along with a forgetful regal blue tang named Dory, searches for his missing son Nemo (taken by a dentist as a birthday present for his niece). Along the way, can Marlin learn to take risks and come to terms with Nemo taking care of himself?

(from Wikipedia, edited + added to by me)

Date: 2003

Genre: American animated drama comedy adventure

Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Cast: 

Albert Brooks (Marlin)

Elizabeth Perkins (Coral)

Alexander Gould (Nemo)

Ellen DeGeneres (Dory)

Willem Dafoe (Gill)

Brad Garrett (Bloat)

Allison Janney (Peach)

Stephen Root (Bubbles)

Austin Pendleton (Gurgle)

Vicki Lewis (Deb)

Joe Ranft (Jacques)

Geoffrey Rush (Nigel)

Andrew Stanton (Crush)

Nicholas Bird (Squirt)

Bob Peterson (Mr. Ray)

Barry Humphries (Bruce)

Eric Bana (Anchor)

Bruce Spence (Chum)

Bill Hunter (Philip Sherman)

LuLu Ebeling (Darla)

Jordy Ranft (Tad)

Erica Beck (Pearl)

Erik Per Sullivan (Sheldon)

John Ratzenberger (the moonfish)

Director: Andrew Stanton

Production company: Walt Disney Pictures & Pixar Animation Studios

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(film starts at 00:21:00)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

I’ve always loved pictures of the ocean, with all its richness, so I loved this. It felt very realistic and very much like I was in a real ocean :P and there were so. many. fish!!! I loved how they all had different accents, based on where they were from…

Characters: 5/5

I loved the characters. Merlin I strongly related to, with his fear and his cynicism. The poor guy went through so much. I loved Dory, of course, because who doesn’t love Dory?? She’s so sweet. Nemo was adorable. Gill was awesome (reminded me of Doc Hudson from Cars <3) and everyone else in the tank was pretty great (especially Peach. And Jacques). Nigel was hilarious. Crush was sooo coool, and so was Squirt! Mr. Ray didn’t show up much but I loved him too. Bruce, Anchor, and Chum were… interesting. I liked them till I didn’t anymore XD The dentist was infuriating (I don’t think he was a good doctor at all, or even a good man, to be honest!). Darla was a surprise. When I read the books of Nemo, I thought she was horrid. She’s really just a typical kid… unless I missed something… and it’s neither her nor Nemo’s fault that Nemo doesn’t wanna be with her. The dentist is the real villain here!!! 

Plot: 5/5

I read a few books about Nemo as a kid, but I recalled 0 of the plot besides the fact that he does eventually get away… I thought. That was the only thing that brought me comfort at some points, haha. I also knew his mother died—fortunately, or I would have been crushed at the very beginning. It was sad enough as it was! The plot is a wild, wild ride. I was on tenterhooks the whole time as Merlin tries frantically to figure out where the dentist is from, and then to find Sydney, and all the while he has to handle obstacle after obstacle… while Nemo is stuck in an aquarium and told his fate is to be given to a “fish killer,” and escape is much harder than it seems (it seems impossible). It’s suspenseful right up to the final moments, and there are plenty of heartwarming bits… and really funny ones… and sad ones… it’s a rollercoaster of emotions and I love it. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

Okay but WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME WHAT GREAT THEMES THIS FILM HAS???!!! It’s amazing!!! We have Merlin, learning to trust people, to make friends, to be understanding of those with disabilities, to loosen up and have fun, to give Nemo the chance to do things himself… just to become a better person and father and it is SO good. As someone who cares for a disabled sister, the part of Nemo hit me even harder than usual… And then Nemo, learning that can’ts just have to be tried over and over till they become cans, and that despite his difficulties he CAN do things. It’s hugely motivational and inspiring. I may have cried. 

Content: 5/5 (low/none)

euphemisms?

Violence: 4/5 (low)

I personally got a few jumpscares when things loomed out of the dark. Normally I’m not too scared of oceans/sharks, but I started to get definitely a bit antsy at suspenseful moments, so that’s something to keep in mind for young/sensitive viewers. 

Overall: 5/5

I absolutely loved this, and I need to rewatch it and appreciate it all over again. This is so so so good. <3

“The Prince & the Pauper” (1990)

The Prince & the Pauper

Brief Description:

The legendary tale of The Prince & the Pauper gets a magical Disney makeover in this adventure-filled Disney Animation Collection DVD, part of a series of beloved classic short films! In a faraway kingdom, two boys who look exactly alike meet by chance and decide to switch places: a pauper named Mickey, who dreams about a life of luxury, and the Crown Prince, who wishes he could be as free as his subjects. Each boy faces extraordinary challenges in his new role, and together they must figure out how to save the kingdom from an evil Captain who wants the throne for himself! 

Date: 1990

Genre: family American animated comedy action-adventure featurette 

Running time: 25 minutes 

Cast: 

Wayne Allwine (Mickey / the Prince)

Arthur Burghardt (Captain Pete)

Tony Anselmo (Donald)

Bill Farmer (Goofy / Pluto / Horace Horsecollar / Weasel #1)

Elvia Allman (Clarabelle Cow)

Charlie Adler (Weasel #2 / Weasel #3 / Pig Driver / Peasant / Man in Street)

Frank Welker (King / Archbishop)

Trevor Eyster (Kid #1)

Rocky Krakoff (Kid #2)

Roy Dotrice (Narrator)

Director: George Scribner

Production company: Walt Disney Pictures & Walt Disney Feature Animation

Based on: The Prince & the Pauper by Mark Twain

Wikipedia page

Watch on YouTube

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

Of course, it’s nothing like the book. At least, barely. and it doesn’t really look like medieval England. But it’s a decent Disney fantasy England, anyways. What I do love is the cathedral and palace. 10/10 coolness there, as far as kid me was concerned—and the cathedral is STILL cool with all its banners!!

Characters: 4/5

Again, not the book. But that’s ok. I like Mickey and the Prince, and they’re both pretty interesting in their own right and are fun switched with each other too. Goofy’s a hoot, the bad guys are scary (or funny—there’s no in between), and Donald, the Professor, and the Archbishop are good sidekicks. As for the King, I feel for him… 

Plot: 4/5

The plot is pretty wild. As a kid, I adored the drama. And I still enjoy the humour. The ending is always funny, and there’s many really humorous bits. It’s a satisfying, solid tale of justice and choosing to do right and standing up against tyrants/bullies/etc. 

Content: 4/5 (low)

A shot where the Captain’s underwear shows; euphemisms. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Light violence by the soldiers towards the people and the MCs. 

Overall: 4/5

Pretty solid kids’ film and P&P retelling, to be honest. I still really enjoy it. 

Now, we watched this as a DVD, with 5 other short videos in it. I’ll add their reviews when I watch them! 

“And Then There Were None” (1945)

And Then There Were None

Brief Description:

Ten strangers are mysteriously tricked into coming to a lonely sequestered island off the British coast. Quickly they discover a ‘Ten Little Indians’ theme in the house… and then all ten are accused of some kind of murder that the law cannot touch. Every day one of them is murdered in a matter that fits with the song. Who will be left in the end? And which among them is the killer? 

(written by me)

Date: 1945

Genre: American crime drama mystery 

Running time: 1 hour 37 minutes 

Cast: 

Barry Fitzgerald (Judge Quinncannon)

Walter Huston (Dr. Armstrong)

Louis Hayward (Mr. Lombard)

Roland Young (Detective Blore)

June Duprez (Miss Claythorne)

Mischa Auer (Prince Starloff)

C. Aubrey Smith (General Mandrake)

Judith Anderson (Miss Brent)

Richard Haydn (Rogers)

Queenie Leonard (Mrs. Rogers)

Harry Thurston (boatman)

Director: René Clair

Production company:  20th Century Fox 

Based on: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

This is one of the most unique mystery films I have ever seen! The way the horror and confusion slowly grew upon you, sharpened by how normal the setting was and how likeable everyone seemed… it had me hooked and questioning the whole time. I loved it. 

Characters: 5/5

I didn’t believe that they were killers at first. I liked every one of them. The prince was hilarious; the judge was quaint; the doctor was genial; the detective was bluff; the general was poignant; Miss Brent was unusual; Rogers was the stereotypical butler, and his wife the stereotypical maid… and Lombard was epic. He was my favourite, I LOVED LOMBARD. He was so amusing and such a mixture of English and American. But as time went on and true colours were shown, my revulsion of feeling was instant and strong… except for Lombard and Vera. I loved them so much and it hurt so much to think of what they’d done! But every character was so alive and curious… 

Plot: 5/5

I already mentioned how tangled the plot was, and you’d better believe it. It’s so confusing, and I just couldn’t figure out who was the one killing for ‘true’ justice. Yet with all that mystery and anxiety was romance and humour and good-fellowship, and it just made it more striking. 

Romance: 5/5

Vera and Lombard are adorable. End of story. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

I was too busy figuring it out, but after, this film still has me thinking about justice and what it means…

Content: 5/5 

I recall nothing. 

Violence: 5/5 

Off-screen murder, a few minutes of tension but nothing horrifying. 

Overall: 5/5

One of my top fav mystery films now. I know the book ends differently but I don’t care, I love this. I still wanna read the book though. 

“Mulan” (1998)

Mulan

This story always intrigued me when I saw it in books, and I wanted to give the film a shot. I loved it. I loved the themes, I loved the characters, I loved the plot. But I couldn’t reconcile several things with my conscience: the ancestors (I didn’t know they were such a part of the plot), and the cross-dressing (I know, its a part of the story, but it really bothers me). I hate to quit, but I don’t feel right going on, so it’s a DNF. 

“The Lion King” (1994)

The Lion King

I tried this film because I’ve heard of it sooo much and how much people love it. My mother warned me not to, but I wanted to try it for myself. Well, she was right. The film is overrated, in my opinion. The drama was weak and overdone. The humour was crude. The characters weren’t awesome. I think I liked the theme, but I forget it, so there’s that. Most of all though, the film features African magic. Having grown up with people from many different African countries, I’ve heard plenty about voodoo and black magic. I don’t want anything to do with it. I don’t want to do with so-called “white” magic (erroneously believed to be ‘less bad’) either, but I was particularly horrified by the addition of something so evil in a child’s film. 0/5 and a never-try-again for me. 

“Robin Hood” (1973)

Robin Hood

Brief Description:

Based on the English folktale of the same name, the story follows the adventures of Robin Hood, Little John, and the inhabitants of Nottingham as they fight against the excessive taxation of Prince John, and Robin Hood wins the hand of Maid Marian.

(from Wikipedia)

Date: 1973

Genre: American animated musical adventure comedy family film 

Running time: 1 hour 23 minutes

Cast: 

Brian Bedford (Robin Hood)

Phil Harris (Little John)

Andy Devine (Friar Tuck)

Roger Miller (Alan-a-Dale)

Monica Evans (Maid Marian)

Carole Shelley (Lady Kluck)

Peter Ustinov (Prince John / King Richard)

Terry Thomas (Sir Hiss)

Pat Buttram (the Sheriff of Nottingham)

George Lindsey (Trigger)

Ken Curtis (Nutsy)

Candy Candido (Captain of the Royal Guard)

Billy Whitaker (Skippy)

Dana Laurita (Sis)

Dori Whitaker (Tagalong)

Richie Sanders (Toby)

John Fiedler (Sexton)

Barbara Luddy (Sexton’s wife / Mrs. Rabbit)

J. Pat O’Malley (Otto)

Director: Wolfgang Reitherman

Production company: Walt Disney Productions

Based on: The legends of Robin Hood

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

So, this is NOT an accurate Robin Hood retelling. It’s a comedy. Once you realize that, it’s much more smooth sailing. XD But it has a cute Disney feel/aesthetic to it, and I like it! 

Characters: 5/5

I love how every character’s accent and voice fits their personality SO well. Robin is, of course, Robin Hood and wonderful. Little John is about seven hoots and a half. Friar Tuck was actually quite accurate to himself. Alan-a-Dale was a fun character, as was Lady Kluck; and Maid Marian was adorable. John was hilarious, specially paired with Sir Hiss; the Sheriff and his men were great comedic relief. Also, the kids were SO CUTE, and the mice and Otto were lovely village folk. 

Plot: 4/5

For the most part this is a mad screwball. And it’s funny! Even the intro is fun. I’m not a fan of the fortune telling scene (because of Little John… ahem) but the birthday scene is epic and so sweet (I MELTEDDDD), and so is the one in the castle grounds <33 But LJ and Rob are such a great pair; I love most of their scenes ;) The archery scene and subsequent rampage is hilarious! But I can’t love the romantic evening because THAT SONG HAS BEEN USED IN VERBO ADS AND NOW I CANNOT ENJOY IT ANY LONGER!! And The Phony King of England lyrics are great. Absolutely hilarious. Also, the song Not in Nottingham is kinda really heartbreaking and made me cry. All that scene surrounding that is so touching! Anyways, the ending of the film is perfect—heartwarming and hilarious and dramatic all at once—and I loooove it. 

Romance: 5/5

Super small but real cute. :) And I looove the melting of Maid Marian’s face + the waterfall. Super cool artistry. 

Themes/messages/topics: 5/5

It’s a bit buried beneath all the slapstick, quips, and country music, but I love the message. 

Oh, Robin, you risk so much to keep our hopes alive.

The theme of empty souls through loss of hope, and finding happiness again, is particularly poignant to me, as someone who struggles with depression and hopelessness, and sees it a lot in the world.

Content: 4/5 (low)

Euphemisms. Country music, etc. Lady Kluck’s underpants are shown briefly in a chase scene, and her dress is clearly optional, because it’s always flying up and around. (As my sister says, the girls are always showing their bloomers in this film when they hitch up their skirts!) The biggest thing that bothers me is the scene where John and Robin disguise themselves as women fortune tellers, though no real fortunetelling is done. John gains attraction because of how buxom he is and he stores things in his bodice several times, and he flirts with the guards. 

Violence: 5/5 (low)

There’s mild violence but it's so slapstick it doesn’t feel violent. XD 

Overall: 4.5/5

Overall, this is a very amusing film, and I do love the characters. It’s not my favourite, but I really, really enjoy it. <3 

“Bambi II” (2006)

Bambi II

Also known as: Bambi & the Great Prince of the Forest

Brief Description:

After Bambi’s mother is killed, Bambi’s father, the Great Prince, takes care of him for the winter. The Prince is reluctant, but Bambi tries to make the best of it and his new situation, playing with his friends as much as possible and ignoring the new bully that just appeared. As winter gives way to spring and spring to winter, Bambi will Bambi grow closer to or further from his father? And when danger strikes, will Bambi prove himself a prince or a coward? 

Date: 2006

Genre: American animated drama film

Running time: 1 hour 12 minutes 

Cast: 

Alexander Gould (Bambi)

Patrick Stewart (the Great Prince)

Brendon Baerg (Thumper)

Nicky Jones (Flower)

Andrea Bowen (Faline)

Anthony Ghannam (Ronno)

Cree Summer (Mena)

Keith Ferguson (Friend Owl)

Makenna Cowgill, Emma Rose Lima, & Ariel Winter (Thumper’s sisters)

Brian Pimental (the Groundhog & Porcupine)

Carolyn Hennesy (Bambi’s mother)

Director: Brian Pimental 

Production company: Disneytoon Studios 

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

This is a great followup to the first Bambi. While the vintage feel is gone, they captured the forest and aesthetic very well. I love Bambi I—don’t get me wrong—but it is very vintage. This one is more authentic. And I adore the theme song <3 (though I’m not a fan of the music genre)

Characters: 5/5

Again, great followup to Bambi I. The Prince, Bambi, Thumper + his family, Flower, Faline… they were all just as they were in the film, except Bambi and the Prince were a bit more developed. Ronno was a great addition [to hate on], as well as the Porcupine. And Meta was so sweet! 

Plot: 5/5

This fits in so so well between the first and second part of Bambi I. Bambi’s time with his father, as he struggles to prove himself and his father struggles to accommodate himself, is pretty heart-tugging. His and his father’s grief over his mother, while only slightly touched upon, is poignant… and Bambi’s PTSD really hurt! I never realized the poor thing would have PTSD! But with all those harder bits, the film has plenty of humour and love. Bambi & his friends are the cutest thing, and Bambi + his father are adorable ;) The film has a gentle arc for both Bambi and his father, and just like the first film, the beginning is very simple and gentle, and the ending is dramatic and climatic. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

The Prince bugged me with his constant insisting that he had other things to do than care for his son, but I was so happy to see him finally settle down. His constant reproof and holding Bambi to the highest of standards was also something that spoke to me. I loved how it helped Bambi, but also how his father learned to scale things down to a realistic level. As for Bambi, I loved how he learned to stand up for his friends, and finally proved his courage in the great showdown where he literally sacrificed himself to save someone else… <3 So yeah, I really, really, REALLY love the theme song.

And the colder the winter,

The warmer the spring;

The deeper the sorrow,

The more our hearts sing...

Content: 5/5 (low)

One euphemism; syncopated music. 

Violence: 5/5 (low)

Two hunting scenes, where deer run from and fight dogs. 

Overall: 5/5

As I said before, this is the perfect addition to Bambi I! I really love it and I like it best when I watch the two films spliced together in this fan edit. 

“Bambi” (1942)

Bambi

Brief Description:

The life story of a young deer, who passes through springtime gambols with his young friends, autumn fears with other deer, winter struggles with his mother… and eventually, in the fullness of time,

springtime love. But Bambi’s trials aren’t over yet. Man is still his greatest enemy, and he will strike one last time… 

(written by me, obviously)

Date: 1942

Genre: American family animated drama adventure film 

Running time: 1 hour 10 minutes 

Cast: 

Bobby Stewart (Baby Bambi)

Donnie Dunagan (Young Bambi)

Hardie Albright (Adolescent Bambi)

John Sutherland (Young Adult Bambi)

Peter Behn (Young Thumper)

Tim Davis (Adolescent Thumper)

Sam Edwards (Young Adult Thumper)

Paula Winslowe (Bambi’s Mother / Pheasant)

Stan Alexander (Young Flower)

Tim Davis (Adolescent Flower)

Sterling Holloway (Young Adult Flower)

Will Wright (Friend Owl)

Cammie King (Young Faline)

Ann Gillis (Young Adult Faline)

Fred Shields (the Prince)

Margaret Lee (Mrs. Rabbit)

Mary Lansing (Aunt Ena / Mrs. Possum)

Perce Pearce (Mr. Mole)

Thelma Boardman (Girl Bunny / Quail Mother / Female Pheasant)

Directors: David Hand, James Algar, Samuel Armstrong, Graham Heid, Bill Roberts, Paul Satterfield, & Norman Wright

Production company: Walt Disney Productions

Based on: Bambi, a Life in the Woods by Felix Salten

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(starts at 8:00)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

Okay, so the setting here is adorable. So sweet and woodsy, with such poignant or delightful music! Very vintage (the voices are SO 1940s), and very cute. ;) And I loved the theme song when I figured out what it said. 

Characters: 5/5

Basically Bambi is so cute, his mother is darling, his friends are adorable, and his father is awesome. They’re not deep characters at all, but they’re so sweet. 

Plot: 5/5

The story starts off very sweet and slow with Bambi’s birth and slow development. Up to past the halfway mark it’s simple and happy. After that we have tragedy, then a jump forwards and more happiness and then tragedy again and yet more tragedy, followed by a bittersweet ending that tugs at the heartstrings. There’s quite a bit of comedy, both physical and spoken, and the young animals’ breathy voices and stumbling sentences are so cute and childlike! And the little romances are kinda adorable. ;) 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

I think this film strikes me most as an allegory of life. It speaks so poignantly about how great pain comes and suffering follows, but then time goes on, and new days come with new experiences, friends, and blessings. How death is followed by birth, heartbreak by elation, storm by peace. And, as my little brother said, “the forest has to burn to grow again.” 

Content: 5/5 (low)

One euphemism.

Violence: 5/5 (low)

A fire, and lots of hunting; birds are seen dropping dead.

MASSIVE SPOILERS!!! Bambi’s mother is killed off-screen, dogs attack Bambi and Faline but she escapes unhurt and he is only hinted as hurt. END OF MASSIVE SPOILERS!!! 

Ranged from not too intense to almost too much for my siblings (7-15), so it’s up to the individual viewer. 

Overall: 5/5

It’s sweet and vintagey and pretty and just a little heartbreaking… :’)

P.S. Bambi II (2006) falls in the middle of Bambi’s storyline, between his going to live with his father and his adult life. There’s a real cool fan-edited version on Archive with the two films spliced together.