Bambi (1942)

hyped garbage

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

Bambi follows a young deer from his birth, we watch as he grows up through the trials of his childhood. It seems like a lot to pack into this films short runtime, but it manages to make it look effortless. Bambi is a gorgeously animated film. It bounces between light humorous scenes to dark dramatic moments with ease. It's driven forward by it's colorful cast of characters, charming songs and musical score, and it's tension filled moments of peril. It's rare that a movie can still be considered so great and worthwhile for audiences 75 years after its initial release but Bambi is just that good.Bambi is an integral piece of the Walt Disney Animated Studios canon.

the strange fact is to be the same. at each age. if you see it after a long time. not sentimental or dramatic or scene for memorable characters. not as a pink lesson about the universe of forest. but as a well done work. as the eulogy of simplicity. or as parable. it is an animation who impress for its technique first. then, for its subtle, convincing simplicity. a parable about grow up. a lovely portrait of friendship. and one of the heroes who could be the perfect guide to discover the essence of life. a film who remains long time in memory of the viewer. as small crumbs about a heroic story. maybe as refuge. and good demand to see, after a period, again. as your face in mirror. not for admire. but for as weigh in of sensitivity.

When we hear the word "Bambi," we are quick to believe that we are referring to a maudlin, sentimental portrayal of a cute little deer. That the portrayal of the animals in the forest is saccharine and precious. What is really hear is a setup whereby we gain sympathy for the everyday battles that these creatures face. The starvation, the harsh winters, the forest fires, and so on. Bambi is a child at first and innocent and is heir to his father's portrayal as the patriarch of the woods. We are also reminded that the randomness of nature and the potential violence are small compared to the planned violence of the human animal. When man is in the forest, the animals are hunted specifically, their lives having no more meaning than that of a trophy. This is a truly remarkable film and a masterpiece of animation.

I saw Bambi a few years ago on video (yes, on video. VHS. Tape) and I wasn't wowed. Since I'm reviewing all the animated Disney movies, I had to watch it again. This time, it enchanted me.Bambi is a young deer, son of the Great Prince of the Forest, known as such for being the oldest and wisest deer. Bambi grows up in the forest under the watchful gaze of his loving mother, while learning how the world works with his pals, Thumper, the rabbit, and Flower, the skunk. Life is tranquil in the forest, except for one thing: man. It is man who results on Bambi having to face the trials and tribulations of growing up.The movie is as simple as it comes. There's no epic adventure, no underlying message (unless it's to respect nature, I suppose). It's just the life of this deer, as he grows from fumbling fawn to a strapping young stag, facing grief, falling in love, and just living life.The relationship between Bambi and those around him, especially his mother, are kept simple and yet they work well. The focus is kept on Bambi. The dialogue is little and only used when needed. The script is well written. There are stakes in this story. Even though I've seen Bambi before, and even had a picture book as a child, I still gasped when Bambi got shot. This is the type of film that sucks you in without even trying.The characters are all lovable, and are well written, and animated well, too! The character animations and anatomy are truly masterful. The subtle movements show the passion behind every brush-stroke. The animation is timed well with the musical score, which also acts as the sound effects for the film. This shines out especially in the April Shower scene; it's hypnotic, mesmerizing and artful. The backgrounds are so enveloping, that it feels like you're one with nature. This isn't just a movie, it's a celebration of nature and all that it has to offer. The animators truly outdid themselves.Once again, the choir has me just as engrossed as the animation before me.The emotions are pure and visceral. There is no hamming up here. The children (well, if you can call them children) act thusly. Thumper is the epitome of what a child character should be; charming and perhaps a bit irksome, but lovable. I was wrong when I said there was no message: Thumper's father's saying about being nice or say nothing at all is something everyone should take to heart.What a beautiful film. Pure emotion, pure celebration of nature. A true animated masterpiece.