The Wind in the Willows

I was practically raised on the Cosgrove puppets version of WitW and the bar was set so high with that series, everything else fails in comparison. Solid cartoon and faithful enough adaption.

For this take I didn't understand what was going on.

Production wise with animation it was really good. Other than that the story lost me.

One second the toad is in prison. The next he escapes then the story ends.

What can be learned? Animals are cool.

Verdict : confusing

The colours and animation on this are beautiful, some of the best I've seen. The dramaturgy is lacklustre, only the action sequences have any zing. But you'll enjoy seeing animation the way it should be done ( also check out Watership Down and Animal Farm (1954), not to mention Fantasia.

I am a little biased because this is the version I grew up on, but since re-watching it as an adult I still believe it captures the magic of the book better than any other version.

Unlike the others, this version doesn't shy away from the spiritual aspects of the book. Despite apparent danger, this world is inhabited by magical beings who look after the river-folk. Also, even though this movie is for kids, it trusts it's audience to relate to the internal struggle between wanderlust and responsibilities. Both Mole and Toad share this struggle, but each handles it differently. This is a fantastic lesson for kids to learn. The animation is beautiful and looks like a painting come to life. The voice acting is also perfect. Overall, the presentation is great and the story is rich. This movie will enchant children and adults alike.

Having now watched various versions of WITW with my 3 year old son, this was undoubtedly the best of the bunch for both of us, as well as being the most faithful adaptation, and captures the very special and very English magic of the book.

Right from the start a warm elegiac mood and feel is achieved, and the voices of the four leading characters are all excellently cast. We especially loved Alan Bennet, who for me made Mole come fully alive for the first time, and manages to very subtly inject real humour into his delivery. Messrs Gambon (Badger) and Mayall (Toad), were also perfect.

A perfect way to spend a cosy Sunday afternoon curled up with young (or indeed not so young) family.