“Once Upon a Forest” is an animated movie about a group of small animals who set out on a dangerous journey to save their friend who has been poisoned by toxic gas. The film is a heartwarming tale of courage and perseverance, showcasing the beauty and fragility of nature. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that will have you on the edge of your seat, rooting for the animals every step of the way. In short, it’s a magical adventure that will inspire both children and adults alike.
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Review
Once Upon a Forest: A Contemplation of Environmentalism and Childhood
In 1993, Twentieth Century Fox Animation released a film that would become known as one of the most thought-provoking and sweetest animated films ever made. That film is Once Upon a Forest, directed by Charles Grosvenor and written by Rae Lambert, is an endearing tale of four animal friends on a mission to save their forest. The film is an inspired creation that managed to stir emotions in its audience, including me. Malcolm Gladwell would agree that the film deserves recognition for its accomplishments in storytelling, environmentalism, and childhood.
The plot follows the story of Abigail (voiced by Ellen Blain), an adventurous woodmouse; Russell (voiced by Paige Gosney), a loyal hedgehog; Edgar (voiced by Benji Gregory), a timid mole; and Michelle (voiced by Elisabeth Moss), a grateful badger cub. Together they live in the serene environment of Dapplewood forest. However, their peaceful life turns into chaos when they encounter toxic gas from a nearby construction site that poisons Michelle.
The storyline is clear-cut yet convoluted. It has this underlying message that tells us how we need to be responsible for our actions whether big or small because even the smallest thing can have disastrous consequences if not taken care of properly.
The animators presented us with lifelike characters with distinctive personalities and quirks that make them relatable. Each character goes through their own emotional journey, but together they form an unbreakable bond that keeps them moving forward.
However, some critics argue that the voice acting is mediocre. Although it may be true in some aspects, I would argue otherwise as even though some may see this as mediocre acting; it still conveys appropriate emotions for each character accurately.
That being said, once you hear the musical score composed by James Horner (of Titanic fame), it’s apparent that the soundtrack is one of the best things about this film. The score may be melancholic but its beauty transcends past the story and helps to heighten emotions and elicit empathy from audiences.
The animation, while outdated compared to contemporary standards, has a unique visual style that graces every frame with an aura of warmth and felicity. The color scheme is vibrant, giving the characters a lively feel, which makes them endearing.
What sets Once Upon a Forest apart from other animation films was its large emphasis on environmentalism. It introduces us to the idea of how we must take steps to protect our environment as it is essential for everything in life. This movie allows children to become more aware of the challenges faced by nature while showing them ways they can help preserve it.
On the surface level, Once Upon a Forest may appear like just another animated film, but upon closer inspection, it offers a multitude of lessons on various topics from teamwork, respect for nature; teaching children about the consequences of human actions; making sure that your voice is heard in times when people try to silence you.
One notable aspect was how Michelle’s illness mirrors severe health issues caused by pollution in real life. The filmmakers did not shy away from addressing this issue, emphasizing how significant consequences such as these are connected to our everyday actions concerning our environment.
Nevertheless, some critics argued that Once Upon a Forest didn’t receive as much critical acclaim as it deserved. Perhaps because it went largely unnoticed during its initial release due to competing with Disney movies which gained more significant attention during that period. Nonetheless, once you see this poignant masterpiece with an open mind, you’ll discover that beneath its seemingly simplistic exterior lies an emotional depth and educational value that rivals any other classic animated film.
In conclusion, Once Upon a Forest has left an indelible impact on my life since I watched it as a child. It held up over time, and the morals it instills are still relevant to this day, making it a timeless classic. It’s a must-watch for any parents looking to teach their children about environmentalism while also providing an emotional and educational experience that can last a lifetime.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 71
- Release : 1993-06-18
- Genre : Animation, Family, Adventure
- Cast : Michael Crawford as Cornelius (voice), Ben Vereen as Phineas (voice), Ellen Blain as Abigail (voice), Benji Gregory as Edgar (voice), Paige Gosney as Russell (voice)
- Crew : James Horner as Original Music Composer, Kelly Ward as Writer, David Michener as Animation Director, Charles Grosvenor as Director, Mark Young as Writer
- Popularity 16.649
- Budget : $13,000,000
- Revenue : $6,582,052
- Company : Hanna-Barbera Productions, Harlech Television
- Summary : A young mouse, mole and hedgehog risk their lives to find a cure for their badger friend, who’s been poisoned by men.
- Tagline : An Adventurous Race Against Time!
