login/register

Adapted from George Orwell's satire, this full-length animated film uses animals to depict the flaws in political systems, as the animals of Manor Farm rebel against their cruel master and try to establish a prosperous new regime, only to learn that power will always corrupt.

This beautiful animated film brilliantly portrays George Orwell's classic political satire. Although the talking animals will no doubt make the film appealing to children, it is in fact an intelligent film for adults. The film successfully emphasises the effectiveness of Orwell's use of animals to mirror human weakness and the tragedy that ensues. Makes me cry every time.

A rare example of mainstream animation being used to tell a highly political story, Animal Farm retains its value as a vivid adaptation of George Orwell's classic novel. Characters were eliminated, certain elements of plot were simplified, and the book's gloomy ending was softened to offer a glimmer of hope, but Orwell's parable of the Russian revolution--retold as a revolt among not-so-equal barnyard animals--remains potently intact. As produced by the famous British animation studio run by John Halas and Joy Batchelor, this still-important 1954 film is anything but kiddie fare; it steadfastly avoids sentiment, and despite its slightly more upbeat ending this is still a story that involves exploitation, death, betrayal, and an inevitable uprising that goes a step beyond Orwell's pessimistic conclusion. With British actor Maurice Denham supplying all the voices and Gordon Heath providing newsreel-like narration, this economical, documentary-like telling of Orwell's tale was criticised for its "Disneyfied" style, but the animation is actually quite striking in its European influence and bold use of symbolism. It has aged, and some of its impact has been lost to the course of history, but it's an essential addition to any serious animation collection. Excellent commentary and a 30-minute "making of" featurette place this extraordinary milestone of British animation in proper historical context. --Jeff Shannon

	Enter your search terms Submit search form
	Web www.filmcritique.co.uk