Customer Reviews

Nestor the Long Eared Christmas Donkey [VHS]

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I first saw this movie about 15 years ago, but haven't seen it in at least 10 years. My children were small. I remember how touched I was by the story, and how meaningful it was. I cried for Nestor when he lost his mom, but his story is what Christmas is really about. What a blessed, wonderful, brave little donkey, and wonderful story!

This Christmas classic by Rankin & Bass puts Santa and Rudolph aside except for very brief appearances and focuses on events leading to the birth of Christ. Not to many specials even mention the nativity scene anymore. If you liked this Christmas Classic check out THE FIRST CHRISTMAS by Rankin & Bass.

I first saw Nestor three years ago. It was my freshman year of college, and I was apart from my family. I cried so hard, because the movie was so beautiful. Ever since then, it has been a Christmas tradition to watch Nestor. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

When Nestor, a donkey with unusually long ears, is born in a small stable near Bethlehem, he is mocked by everyone. And soon, him and his Mother are thrown out of the stable, into a terrible blizzard. Nestor's Mother, wanting to keep her child warm, covers him with her body, and, when Nestor awakes the next morning, he finds his beloved Mother dead. Frozen to death while trying to protect her baby. When the springtime comes, Nestor meets a young cherub, who helps to guide him on his path to save another, as his Mother saved him. And when two travelers choose Nestor for a trip to a manger near Bethlehem, Nestor knows that he can finally accomplish his mission in life.

Out of ever holiday story, NESTOR THE LONG-EARED CHRISTMAS DONKEY, is, and always will be, one of the most touching, and heartwarming movies ever created. Rankin/Bass did a fantastic job with the animation and dialogue in this film. And Nestor is one of the sweetest, and kindest characters to ever appear in a holiday special. Rankin/Bass really made it so that you sympathize with Nestor throughout the entire movie. Which is a huge plus. A must-have holiday film for the entire family this year.

Erika Sorocco

I agree that the scene dealing with Nestor's Mother's death is very emotional-I cried my eyes out also, a very heartbreaking scene with the song lyrics and Nestor's tears. However Disney has used the same type of scenes in their very successful movies for years.(Anyone remember Bambi's Mother's unfortunate rendevous with hunters? that scene was every bit as distressing. There have been many others also.)I think it helps children to learn empathy for others when they see this type of movie, however I also think that some children who become excessively upset shouldn't watch-My daughter when she was 6-7 would cry literaly for days afterward whenever she would think of it-I put it away for years-She's 15 now and right behind me on the couch, tears rolling. Every parent should determine their child's sensitivity to these type of poignant scenes. If the child will be traumatized save it until he or she is older. It's a great movie and a very nice message.

Years ago my daughter and I saw "Nestor" on television on one of those "off" channels and just loved it. Every year we would comb the television guides at Christmas looking for this show, sometimes to no avail. Then, my daughter found it on Amazon.com and bought it for me for Christmas. We watch it together every year and it always makes us cry. I love it so much that I bought another copy just to have in case something happens to my first one! I also show it to my Sunday school class of first-graders and have noticed more than one misty eye. It's a great holiday classic.

This is a classic in its own right. I can't watch this Christmas special without tears coming to my eyes. Nestor, who is ridiculed by his friends because of his long ears, has to find the purpose why he was given those ears. Part of it includes his mother sacrificing herself so Nestor can live.

In the end, he does find his way to Bethlehem, just in time to meet Mary and Joseph and bear her to the town. It starts out sad, but brings tears of joy in the end. A great Chrismas classic!

While not as well known as some Rankin & Bass stop motion animated films such as "A Year Without a Santa Claus", this film is not anything less than what you'd expect from Rankin & Bass.

Absolutely charming.

Very sweet & touching tale of Nestor, a donkey with extremely long ears. He's ridiculed and made fun of, and his only source of comfort and love is his mother, who loves him unconditionally. Nestor and his mother end up lost in the snow, and unfortunately, his mother dies protecting Nestor from the elements, which no matter how old I get sends me into a crying jag. (I don't mean to ruin it for anyone, I just thought I'd give parents the heads up to prepare the little ones for it).

But it's true what does not kill you makes you stronger, and Nestor goes on to divine greatness. A touching and sweet holiday film indeed.

This is probably one of my all time favorite Christmas Specials! I wish they had it on DVD!

I first saw this special 17 years ago when I was 12 years old. And yes, at that poignant moment everyone has spoken of I wept. I get teary when I tell people about the special and talk about that part. Many people have never even heard of this special! It's short and sweet, and once you see it you'll want to make it part of your holiday traditions!

Many children today don't even know the story behind Christmas, and think it's only about Santa Claus, Rudolph and presents. Now that my boys are 4 and 6 I've started talking about the meaning behind it all, and would love for them to see this touching little story. I think it's important for children to know that there are those whom will give all they have for the ones they love, and that is a prominent part of this story.

For those that this "traumatized" I am sorry you feel that way. Yes, it's sad and tragic for a moment, but the feeling it evokes show that you have a heart and can feel empathy for the loss. It's not something I would shelter my children from, and think that it is one of the things that make this little special so memorable.

This is the saddest story (but, has a great ending!). And when I watch it, I cry like a baby. Sheesh! I'm a man, 39 years old. Awesome family movie with a positive message (even if you're not religious).