Review of Pinocchio (1940) by Dylan D — 16 Dec 2013

It never ceases to amaze me how dark and complex childrens' films once were. Pinocchio never pulls a single punch, deftly examining the consequences of poor decision-making, the lure of temptation, and the fading innocence of childhood in every scene. Pinocchio's misadventures aren't lofty or whimsical; they're bleak and grimy, submerging the newborn marionette into a world intent on taking advantage of his ignorance. His visit to Pleasure Island is unsettling, his sacrifice for his father is unnerving, and his gleeful embrace of everything wrong in the world is frightening... yet it regularly imparts invaluable lessons to even its youngest viewers. In an age when animated films focus on being yourself and discovering your own uniqueness, it's refreshing to revisit a classic that teaches kids how easy it is to become something you don't want to be. Sure, its moral allusions can be heavy-handed at times (as can the film's symbology), but I appreciated its frank and honest dissection of several legitimate struggles every person, regardless of age, encounters over and over again throughout the course of their everyday lives.

Just don't let that scare you away. Pinocchio wears its heart on its sleeve, leaving little doubt as to how much Geppetto cares for his son, how imperfect the best intentions can be (Jiminy's mistakes are just as meaningful as Pinocchio's), and how love and selflessness remain two of the most powerful forces on the planet. Combined with stirring music, expressive animation, and a script that focuses the majority of its efforts on meticulous character development, the film transcends its cartoonish presentation to resonate with people of all ages. Perhaps I'm over-analyzing the tale's significance, but I was continually wowed by its artistry, storytelling, and meaning. Pinocchio isn't just an animated anomaly; it's a reminder of how worthwhile and important cinema can be... even when to those haven't started school yet.

With my praise and superlatives exhausted, I have little left to offer aside from a hearty recommendation that everyone -- parents, kids, and animation fans of all ages -- spend some time with this heartwarming Disney classic. It not only stands up as well as it did seventy years ago, it still exhibits the power to charm, teach, and influence young minds for the better. I cannot recommend Pinocchio enough.