This is hands down the best movie version of the wind in the willows. It is 100% in keeping with the playful quality of the book. I have a collection of wind in the willows items... movies, audiobooks, kid’s modernized books that I keep to give out... my point is I have seen many versions ( sometimes people will claim that something is the best, simply because they grow up with it, without honestly comparing, that is not me). In fact, I was so young when this came out that when I started looking for it, to show a friend, I thought I might have dreamed the scenes I remembered ( especially when I hard a very difficult time finding it).
My grandma was of the same mind as AA Milne with regard to the book the wind in the willows ( that it is a character mirror). So, starting when I was 8 yrs old, she read it to me about once a year. I am 37 and I still read it once a yr. ( I could recite large bits by now). So, I feel very qualified to judge which movies most closely follow the book. In my opinion this one is about 95% accurate in it’s presentation of events. However, the music and whimsical nature of this film, more than make up for the slight changes to the story. This version is of such high caliber that I honestly thought it was the work of Walt Disney.
If you want a much more solemn version that is nearly 100% spot on with the book, the version that was released on video in 1996, is your best bet ( it comes in a double disc set with a sequel called “the willows in winter”.
As much as I love this movie, I will end with a note of caution to students: if you have a book report, you should read the book ( or audiobook if you have accomidations for a disability). The book is thought to be at least a double allegory and no movie will ever have enough time to convey all of the subtle nuances of both allegories or even one of them. Movie versions restrict themselves to the surface story, some versions cover it quite well others are not that great at it. This one is a master piece, but it doesn’t attempt to show the hidden messages. It will be very obvious to any teacher if you watch instead of read. So, go read and then come back and watch this wonderful movie!
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Frances L. Arsenault
A must-see for a Rankin/Bass fan
Reviewed in Canada on December 9, 2010
