Bambi

Leave superficiality in the present, because back in the forties it was still beyond reach for cartoons. Back then, they could create enchanting, unmatchable images, even with a banal and simple story. Each scene had its justification and every joke could bring joy. Walt Disney was the king. (2005.07.13)

Maybe I'm sentimental or something, but this film really blew me away. Not just because it's touching, but because it beautifully captures the adolescence of one troublemaker. There are emotions, strong ones at that, both positive and negative. There's good animation and above all, beautiful artwork. The backgrounds are stunning, as is the music, which Disney, or rather his studio, has skillfully integrated with the film. At times, the horror atmosphere, which isn't overstated, is absolutely fantastic. It’s over 70 years old, but absolutely deserving of its status in the golden treasury of animated film. (2013.12.23)

Catching up with the Disney classics when you are older has its advantages and disadvantages. You no longer look at the film through the eyes of a child, you do notice things that a young eye and mind will miss. Bambi offers a mostly simple story about the circle of life with all the good and not so good moments. From a carefree playful childhood with a bittersweet aftertaste (who doesn't know the sad fate of Bambi's mother?), to a "frumpy" misguided adolescence (with more than one "adult" reference that a young child won't understand), to responsible adulthood. In terms of animation, this is a solidly made timeless film – though I watched the remastered version – that appeals for its innocence and rawness at the same time. (2020.09.05)

Cynicism aside, Disney's army of eye-catching forest animals disarmed me perfectly. The animators have done an incredible job, and the film still has, I would say, much of the strangely captivating charm that it stunned the world with over seventy years ago. The animals really do act like the real thing and you can see that the Disney people have studied them carefully, plus they don't talk much and none of them sing. In the end I didn't even notice the emotional blackmail, which I was terrified of beforehand. But I heard the bombastic musical accompaniment and for an hour and a bit I felt like I was in a completely different world. Which was fine. (2015.06.20)