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The Wind in the Willows
Kenneth Grahame's literary classic about an enchanting world along the Riverbank has delighted readers for nearly a century. Now, this enduring beloved tale comes to life in this beautifully animated feature film from the producers of "The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends" and "The Snowman".
| Release : | 1995 |
| Rating : | 7.4 |
| Studio : | TVC London, Carlton UK Productions, HiT Entertainment, |
| Crew : | Art Direction, Art Direction, |
| Cast : | Alan Bennett Michael Palin Michael Gambon Rik Mayall Vanessa Redgrave |
| Genre : | Adventure Animation Comedy Family TV Movie |
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Reviews
Simply A Masterpiece
Highly Overrated But Still Good
Blistering performances.
The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.
I was getting along swimmingly with the river characters, and those of the deep, dark woods as well. I enjoyed the characters of Mole, Rat and Badger very much. The illustration was also very well done, through-out. I enjoyed the choice of colors.Unfortunately, at a certain point, it seemed that this story was going to be focused primarily on loud, narcissistic, vain, boisterous Toad. Now, while I'll freely admit that one meets all types at a riverbank, or in the mansions there-upon, the serenity of the story was shredded by this agitating, impulsive amphibian.For me, it ruined the whole story, and I was unable to watch past the point where Toad was preparing for his "song" at the party, having, with the help of his friends, chased the ferrets, stoats and weasels out of his ornate, voluminous abode. In contrast to other animated features, such as Watership Down, The Wind In The Willows seems to have been written with much more coarse excitement and soft violence. I regret that this otherwise-charming story fell victim to our frenetic, aggressive way of life.I heard nary a wind, and saw bare-little Willow. The story needs to be re-written with Toad intermittently appearing, returning from his various and sundry jaunts and sojourns, with something valuable to add to the enjoyment and education of Mole, Rat, and Badger, or whomever else he should meet. Juxta-pose and integrate him with Badger and create some balance.., maybe even some poetry.
Having now watched various versions of WITW with my 3 year old son, this was undoubtedly the best of the bunch for both of us, as well as being the most faithful adaptation, and captures the very special and very English magic of the book.Right from the start a warm elegiac mood and feel is achieved, and the voices of the four leading characters are all excellently cast. We especially loved Alan Bennet, who for me made Mole come fully alive for the first time, and manages to very subtly inject real humour into his delivery. Messrs Gambon (Badger) and Mayall (Toad), were also perfect.A perfect way to spend a cosy Sunday afternoon curled up with young (or indeed not so young) family.
This version of "The Wind in the Willows" is the best one I have ever seen. It is very faithful to the book: The narrator is reading the book along, and the characters speak almost their exact lines from the book. Vannesa Redgrave as the Narrator is just lovely. Her voice is soothing and perfect to this story. If you are looking for a faithful adaptation of one of the most beautiful books ever written, check this version out. 10/10
The colours and animation on this are beautiful, some of the best I've seen. The dramaturgy is lacklustre, only the action sequences have any zing. But you'll enjoy seeing animation the way it should be done ( also check out Watership Down and Animal Farm (1954), not to mention Fantasia.
