I love the book, it is beautifully written with an enchanting story, memorable characters and homely imagery. This 1987 animated adaptation is wonderful, and along with the 1995 film and the 1983 stop-motion film it is one of my personal favourite adaptation of this great story.
A vast majority of the time, the animation is great. It is very colourful and smooth, with lovely landscapes and all the animals are drawn very nicely. Plus the atmosphere in the scenes in the wood is wonderfully evocative, the Piper sequence is wonderfully ethereal and the scene on the river has a gracefully whimsical feel to it. The animation of the humans aren't quite up to scratch, but with so much good I ignored that minor discrepancy.
I also loved the music. The title song is really beautiful, while the other songs are charming with playful lyrics and fine melodies, I Hate Company especially is a riot. The incidental music is also memorable, and does add a lot to every scene.
The writing is excellent, especially with Toad, whose lines are witty and funny, while the story is remarkably true to the essence of the book and full of charm. The characters are still engaging, Toad is always great fun, Badger is gruff yet very smart, Ratty is clever, idealistic and friendly and Moley is timid yet somewhat adorable and loyal. These memorable characters are brought to life by a terrific vocal cast with Charles Nelson Reilly and Jose Ferrer the standouts.
In conclusion, a complete delight to watch not only as an adaptation but on its own terms too. 10/10 Bethany Cox
A vast majority of the time, the animation is great. It is very colourful and smooth, with lovely landscapes and all the animals are drawn very nicely. Plus the atmosphere in the scenes in the wood is wonderfully evocative, the Piper sequence is wonderfully ethereal and the scene on the river has a gracefully whimsical feel to it. The animation of the humans aren't quite up to scratch, but with so much good I ignored that minor discrepancy.
I also loved the music. The title song is really beautiful, while the other songs are charming with playful lyrics and fine melodies, I Hate Company especially is a riot. The incidental music is also memorable, and does add a lot to every scene.
The writing is excellent, especially with Toad, whose lines are witty and funny, while the story is remarkably true to the essence of the book and full of charm. The characters are still engaging, Toad is always great fun, Badger is gruff yet very smart, Ratty is clever, idealistic and friendly and Moley is timid yet somewhat adorable and loyal. These memorable characters are brought to life by a terrific vocal cast with Charles Nelson Reilly and Jose Ferrer the standouts.
In conclusion, a complete delight to watch not only as an adaptation but on its own terms too. 10/10 Bethany Cox