The Snowman

Just to let you know, I won’t be reviewing the remake to “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”…yet. I do intend to review it, but not yet. However, I want to review a 1982 short special, “The Snowman.” I remember watching this film when I was in first grade while we were making gingerbread cookies, and I didn’t quite remember it very well. When I watched it earlier today, it was very heartwarming, but boy did it have a sad ending.

Midnight one Christmas Eve, a young boy finds that the snowman built earlier that day has come to life. The Snowman takes the boy on a journey, flying through the world and arrives at the North Pole where he meets Father Christmas (or Santa Clause as I like to call him).

Raymond Briggs’ children’s book is brought very well on screen in this animated short. Probably it is best known for the Aled Jones song, “Walking in the Air,” this heart-warming short avoids the over-romanticizing which could have ruined it and touches you in a pleasant way. The music perfectly balances the animation, especially during the flying scenes where the scenery clarifies in rolling images like waves. This is animation for everyone, not only because there isn’t a word spoken, but it also has that original message about life and love – and it also features the great Father Christmas.

The content of the film is moving and has an affecting ending which could be upsetting to children. In this sense it is more of an adult film than children’s animation, as adults have the ability to look back and understand what the film is saying and what is lost. But for children it will simply be a story of excitement and friendship. Today children’s entertainment has a lot of violence, but this is a heartwarming short film.

Overall, this short also gets a 10, it’s one of the best and touching special. If you haven’t seen it, just YouTube it and you will be able to see all 26 minutes of it.

Stay tuned tomorrow when I continue my 25 days of Christmas reviews.