If you ever saw it as a kid on Canadian television around Christmas time, you'll remember this movie fondly (without a doubt, as much a favourite of mine as The Grinch, Rudolph and Frosty). A very creative and artistic interpretation (hey, Canadians routinely win Academy Awards(TM) for Best Animated Short for a reason) of a very sweet story. As a kid, I never understood or even noticed the religious symbolism but when I recently found, printed and read the story to my own young children I realized the ending was pretty blatant, and thus explained why I hadn't seen this holiday favourite on T.V. in many, many years. I suppose the Christian networks play this on regular rotation during Christmas time (if not -- they should) and I would propose that someone do a less literal version so that it would be appropriate for secular television again. A real tear-jerker, BTW.
Review of The Selfish Giant
The Selfish Giant
(1971)
Beautiful movie -- even if you're not interested in the religious aspects
6 December 2005