A Bear Named Winnie (2004)

Good , But It Is Overrated By Some

A lot of fun.

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

I've just finished watching the DVD of this today and loved it. Have tear trails down the cheeks and feeling like a better person for watching something worthwhile. After being traumatised with Old Yeller as a kid (I cried for days!) I am always wary of animal films but this was a winner. Great actors, great story and especially a great bear. Had no idea of this "back" story to Winnie the Pooh and was so pleased to find out about it. Do yourself a favour and spend the time to get hold of this one. I know its setting is World War 1; but the focus is not there, rather it is on the love of man for animal and animal for man (and other animals).

It all starts in a world war environment, guys ready to serve their country, kill and be killed. Then as he is taking a walk in the local town, this soldier comes across a bear killer's shop, with bear skins everywhere. Then that little cub makes herself heard, and the soldier can't bear (haha!) the idea of the little one being skinned so buys it and tells his soldier unit this should be their mascot, their buddy, the little thing that could guide them and give them some warmth in the eve of a potential big fight. All fall in love with the cub, now named Winnie, and as weeks go by, all protect her and look after her. The key-soldier and his new best friend share a tent with Winnie at night. She is so cute and full of surprises, everybody falls in love with her. Difficult times and events follow, both for the army guys and Winnie, and then her destiny wraps up, as well as theirs. Not a blockbuster, but a very nice movie to watch on a Sunday afternoon, and one that makes you think again, in a nice way, about how animals can affect our lives. I recommend this film, if you are emotional, get some tissue. :-)

My children were very much entertained by this movie. Historical and semi-factual movies are not really their thing at ALL. It was nice to get them to discuss WWI, bears, relationships, zoo history.. you name it. The bear was really charming. I've never been a huge Pooh fan, but I am a bear fan. I love bear movies. This made me set aside a little love in my heart for Winnie the Pooh. It did bring some tears to my eyes when the bear is in the hospital visiting...I think it's better than average as kids' animal movies go. I don't think my husband would want to watch it again, however. I personally think this movie is rated a little high on this site. Perhaps it doesn't have enough votes yet to get a good measurement. It's a good movie, but by no means is it high cinema. It's a made for TV movie, for sure.

I know that this is the best movie I've seen this year because it's the only movie that made me sob. And I mean sob out loud!I've never read any of the Winnie the Pooh books and the Disney version came years after I grew up.I think some of the editing "issues" were due to not being able to "cue the bear" so much. After the first couple of times, it really didn't bother me.The costumes and props seemed to be perfect for the World War I era. Even the characters seemed to look like early 20th century inhabitants instead of early 21st century actors.The acting was perfect for this kind of movie -- I didn't quite understand the point of David Suchet's character but, oh well.I'm so glad I live close enough to Canada to get CBC! I just hope it comes out on DVD so I can put it right next to The Bear.