Horst_In_Translation Review of The First Snow of Winter

The First Snow of Winter (1998)

Pretty predictable and by the books, but still successful

[6/10 · 5 February 2017]

"The First Snow of Winter" is a 28-minute animated short film from 1998, so this one has its 20th anniversary next year. It was written and directed by Graham Ralph and it is quite possibly his most known work. I watched this now in early February, where the appropriate title would rather be "The Last Snow of Winter", but it doesn't really matter. This film can be appreciated during any time of the year really. I think there is no real greatness here, but goodness in every area and corner. The voice acting is solid as well as the soundtrack. The animation certainly looks 15-20 years older than late 1990s, but this adds just to the charm and simplicity of the whole thing. The story is really by the books in terms of the inclusion of the main character, his friends, his family and the antagonist. Maybe the other little bird did not do too much for me, even if I like the species. But Sean and Voley sure were great fun together and honestly, I really hoped towards the end that Voley would be alive. Of course, he would be, it's a kids film after all. How could I have doubts for a second. This is a charming little movie for sure and I liked it. Thumbs up, go let your kids see it and maybe, just maybe, you will enjoy it as well. Or maybe it will even bring back some amazing memories to you.