Review of Bambi (1942) by Chrismizerak — 22 Jan 2020

You know the old saying: “a picture is worth a thousand words”? Well, the script to “Bambi” supposedly had less than a thousand words, and I’d say it’s doing pretty well for itself all these years later.

This is one of those Disney films that grew on me more as I got older. Although it’s noted for one of the most heartbreaking scenes in film history, the film has a mature feel to it that’s very much appreciated.

Once you get past the first half of the film devoted to the titular deer’s childhood, you essentially end up with a romantic drama tied in with an allegory on the danger man possesses out in nature.

It’s one of those rare animated features that has not one but two moments of complete silence to further enhance the drama of the scenes in question. This further adds fuel to the argument that animated cartoons are much more than silly kids’ stuff as some cynics will regularly retort.

The animation and backgrounds are simply stunning. The Disney animators were at the peak of their powers in the 1930s and 1940s, and “Bambi” is pat proof of that. The music by Frank Churchill is amongst the most emotionally stirring scores I’ve ever listened to.

The work and passion put into the choirs and violins of the score is on full auditory display. Everyone remembers the rabbit Thumper and the skunk Flower, but let’s not forget about Friend Owl. His sermon on the “twitterpatted” entertains me immensely as an adult.

Emotional, impeccably crafted, and wonderfully succinct, “Bambi” takes its rightful place amongst the finest accomplishments of Walt Disney’s incredible film career. And given his track record, that’s saying a lot.