"The Selfish Giant" is a 26-minute animated short film from 1976, so this one had its 40th anniversary last year and this is perhaps today the most known work by writer and director Peter Sander and the reason is that this was nominated for an Oscar, where it lost to a much shorter, much funnier, but maybe less meaningful little movie. We talked about that one on another occasion, so now let us get back to this Canadian film we have here. It is the story of the title character who sees when returning home after a while that a lot of children are playing in his front yard. His selfishness results in him chasing the kids away quickly, but the consequences are much more serious for him than for the kids as the spirit of spring would not come to see him because he is so selfish, so it stays winter near his house until he finally opens up and becomes a better person. Inner warmts is essential for outer warmth if you want to say so I guess. The message the film is sending is easy to appreciate. The overall thing is based on a short story by Oscar Wilde. The animation and visual style may not be for everybody I guess, but I found it not too difficult to appreciate it. The music some may find awkward as well, but again I liked it somehow and it fit nicely together with the visual side and story. All in all, definitely one of the deeper short films from the 1970s. British actor Hecht did fine with the narration too, even if he may not be as famous as his French narrator equivalent for example. I'd not necessarily call this a Christmas story, but more of a winter story, so you can also see and appreciate it in January or so. Maybe even in July. Certainly a thumbs-up from me and I suggest you check this one out. Recommended.
18 Reviews
It should have won the Oscar for Best Animated Short
Rectangular_businessman30 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Of the three nominees to the category of Best Animated Short from 1971, this was easily the best one.
A very faithful adaptation of one of Wilde's most iconic tales, adapting the allegories from the text in a charming manner that only could have been done in animation.
The fact this short lost to The Crunch Bird it's almost unbelievable.
A very faithful adaptation of one of Wilde's most iconic tales, adapting the allegories from the text in a charming manner that only could have been done in animation.
The fact this short lost to The Crunch Bird it's almost unbelievable.
Hauntingly bittersweet and beautiful
aurora720 December 2005
I too like many others who have posted here, watched this every holiday season here in Canada along with "The Happy Prince" and the Richard Chamberlain-narrated "The Little Mermaid" - all were produced by Potterton Productions with Reader's Digest Canada.
I have met Gerald Potterton and asked him about these animated shorts and it doesn't look like they will ever be coming out on DVD anytime soon. Because of legal issues when Reader's Digest film division closed down, the rights to these shorts have become forever lost.
It's a crying shame, the testament to the beauty of this animated feature is that even after not having watched it in over 25 years, I was still able to remember the story, the songs and the wonderful characters. Certain scenes stayed with me for years. At one point, I wasn't sure if it had all been real or not but after talking to friends here, I was glad to see that many others here had also watched it during the holidays.
As a child, the religious symbolism was lost on me but not the moral of the tale, the story of selflessness as ultimately being a good. It's a much needed reminder for children today and unfortunate that today's animated features shy away from such topics and fail to meet the quality of this charming little feature. Do yourself a favour and try finding a VHS copy either through ebay or Amazon, you won't regret it and nor will members of your family. This one is a keeper.
I have met Gerald Potterton and asked him about these animated shorts and it doesn't look like they will ever be coming out on DVD anytime soon. Because of legal issues when Reader's Digest film division closed down, the rights to these shorts have become forever lost.
It's a crying shame, the testament to the beauty of this animated feature is that even after not having watched it in over 25 years, I was still able to remember the story, the songs and the wonderful characters. Certain scenes stayed with me for years. At one point, I wasn't sure if it had all been real or not but after talking to friends here, I was glad to see that many others here had also watched it during the holidays.
As a child, the religious symbolism was lost on me but not the moral of the tale, the story of selflessness as ultimately being a good. It's a much needed reminder for children today and unfortunate that today's animated features shy away from such topics and fail to meet the quality of this charming little feature. Do yourself a favour and try finding a VHS copy either through ebay or Amazon, you won't regret it and nor will members of your family. This one is a keeper.
Needs to be on DVD, and seen
carolyn-258 September 2003
If this adaptation of the Selfish Giant is the Readers Digest Version from the seventies, and has narration by Paul Hect, I cannot endorse this video enough.
I've had the good fortune to loan it out to a Christian English Teacher at a Christian School who used it for a junior high class. I'm so glad that I was able to spread this great fairy tale around.
Hopefully, the owners of this adaptation will rerelease it on DVD, and perhaps it gain a bit more exposure in the Christian community.
A powerful story, with an ending I really didn't expect when I first saw it as a child. And somehow it stays with me. That, and the Reader's Digest version of The Little Mermaid has far more dramatic punch than say current Disney films. And I'm a Disney fan.
I wish I could get a few more copies to donate to a few friends of mine. This truly is a classic, but sadly probably won't gain the audience that a Disney film would get.
Sincerely,
JThree
I've had the good fortune to loan it out to a Christian English Teacher at a Christian School who used it for a junior high class. I'm so glad that I was able to spread this great fairy tale around.
Hopefully, the owners of this adaptation will rerelease it on DVD, and perhaps it gain a bit more exposure in the Christian community.
A powerful story, with an ending I really didn't expect when I first saw it as a child. And somehow it stays with me. That, and the Reader's Digest version of The Little Mermaid has far more dramatic punch than say current Disney films. And I'm a Disney fan.
I wish I could get a few more copies to donate to a few friends of mine. This truly is a classic, but sadly probably won't gain the audience that a Disney film would get.
Sincerely,
JThree
A bittersweet, under recognized animated movie very true to Wilde's writing
kingtrio95 July 2001
This little animated movie is very true to the story by Oscar Wilde and does a nice job of capturing the spirit and sensitivity of his writing. The music is fabulous, a sort of choral modern Celtic, that adds a lot to the overall experience. The animation is equally wonderful. It is a shame that it is not more well known. The religious slant of the story should not put viewers off in that it is first and foremost an extremely positive story simply stating that selfishness is wrong, something I think that anyone could understand and appreciate. That Wilde accomplishes this ethical depiction through the Christian example is particularly touching if one is aware of Wilde's own life experiences. Whether one is knows of Wilde's writings and biography or not this little movie is an immensely worthwhile experience. It left a tear and smile when I was a kid and it still does. If you enjoy bittersweet animated shorts like "The Snowman" then this is a movie for you (and the kids)
Wonderful movie that I finally rediscovered!
Zod-27 November 2001
As a child every year in school we were shown The Selfish Giant and The Happy Prince at Christmas time. I loved both of them and looked forward to the annual viewing. Well as time goes by you stop watching such wonderful films in school but these two movies stuck with me in my memory. Unfortunately I could never remember the titles of the films in order to look for them. I asked a lot of people if they knew the films but no one recognized them from my descriptions. What a shame that more people haven't seen these two hidden gems. Other people have already described the stories on their respective pages so let me just say to parents everywhere, if you can find these movies, buy them and watch them with your children these films have the ability to create a special bond between everyone. The films do have religious undertones but I am not a religious person and enjoy them immensely, even more so for their messages. Do yourself a favour and hunt them down.
I tried not to like it but couldn't--it's a terrific film
planktonrules1 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This is a parable written by Oscar Wilde that was brought to life using traditional animation, though the style of the artwork is far from traditional. For the 1970s, the art is terrific though by today's standards the frame rate is a bit slow. It won't matter, as the story is so well done and music so enchanting.
The story is about a selfish giant who returns to his castle after a four year absence. He find children playing in his garden and chases them away and puts a sign up saying "no trespassing". Oddly, while the countryside eventually changes with the passing seasons, the garden remains winter due to there being no joy there. How this changes and what happens to the giant is just something you'll have to see for yourself.
This animated short was nominated for an Oscar. When I began watching it, I wasn't especially impressed at the beginning--it seemed rather schmaltzy. However, I'm very glad I stuck with it--as the film only got better and better and by the end I was overcome by its beauty and message. Considering how wonderful the film was, it really made me wonder about the film that managed to win in this category (THE CRUNCH BIRD). Sadly, when I watched THE CRUNCH BIRD, I found it to be a rather poor cartoon--with very garish animation and a rather crude punchline that would mostly only appeal to 7th graders. How THE SELFISH GIANT lost to this insignificant film is a mystery.
The story is about a selfish giant who returns to his castle after a four year absence. He find children playing in his garden and chases them away and puts a sign up saying "no trespassing". Oddly, while the countryside eventually changes with the passing seasons, the garden remains winter due to there being no joy there. How this changes and what happens to the giant is just something you'll have to see for yourself.
This animated short was nominated for an Oscar. When I began watching it, I wasn't especially impressed at the beginning--it seemed rather schmaltzy. However, I'm very glad I stuck with it--as the film only got better and better and by the end I was overcome by its beauty and message. Considering how wonderful the film was, it really made me wonder about the film that managed to win in this category (THE CRUNCH BIRD). Sadly, when I watched THE CRUNCH BIRD, I found it to be a rather poor cartoon--with very garish animation and a rather crude punchline that would mostly only appeal to 7th graders. How THE SELFISH GIANT lost to this insignificant film is a mystery.
Beautiful movie -- even if you're not interested in the religious aspects
krul-thomas6 December 2005
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.
Excellent (and quite faithful) adaptation of an Oscar Wilde children's story.
llltdesq13 December 2002
Oscar Wilde has always fascinated me. A controversial figure, he is arguably the most successfully literary figure, certainly in terms of range, in the English language. He wrote verse, prose, plays with equal skill and success and wrote short stories and novels with the same facility. His work has often been adapted for the screen and usually the adaptations are remarkably faithful to the source material, something Hollywood in particular is not noted for.
The Selfish Giant is Wilde at his best. The story is, like all great children's literature, for young and old alike. At times funny and sad, it touches the audience and stays with you. I read the story first, before seeing this. I generally make allowances for adaptations, particularly to film. Such allowances are unnecessary here. It's beautifully done, with care and an obvious affection for the original. The animation, backgrounds, the music, all works marvelously, but the narration is the key. It is, essentially, Wilde's story converted to voice-over and dialogue. Wonderful! I saw this first not quite thirty years ago, twice, and, when I recently got a copy, recalled virtually every scene in detail. This needs to be re-issued. Well worth tracking down. Most highly recommended.
The Selfish Giant is Wilde at his best. The story is, like all great children's literature, for young and old alike. At times funny and sad, it touches the audience and stays with you. I read the story first, before seeing this. I generally make allowances for adaptations, particularly to film. Such allowances are unnecessary here. It's beautifully done, with care and an obvious affection for the original. The animation, backgrounds, the music, all works marvelously, but the narration is the key. It is, essentially, Wilde's story converted to voice-over and dialogue. Wonderful! I saw this first not quite thirty years ago, twice, and, when I recently got a copy, recalled virtually every scene in detail. This needs to be re-issued. Well worth tracking down. Most highly recommended.
best ever animated film
Toniothenoiseman12 November 2005
Like above poster, I too have seen an 'updated' version of The selfish Giant, and was suitably disappointed. To think Uk TV show 'the snowman' every single year at Christmas, and yet, this Oscar Wilde classic is continually ignored..which is a great pity as it happens to be my favourite story of all time, and every time I actually READ the same story I cannot stop the tears from flowing. Everything about this 25 min. animation is 100% ...from the narration, to the muted pastel colours, I think Oscar would've been proud to see his beautiful work brought to the screen in splendid fashion. I cannot praise this story highly enough. Simply outstanding, and I challenge anyone to not be emotionally affected by this wonderful classic.
Brillant
nicola-mager29 December 2003
This is amazing.... This animation and story has stayed with me for almost 30 years!!!!!
Can't get hold of it in the UK, would love to. This is by the best animation of this great story. I love the images, of the frost, snow and the hail, dancing on the roof of the castle. I watched a new animation this week 26/12/03, and it was awful, changed completely, even the words to the story. Some things should never change, they are perfect and should remain that way...Like The Selfish Giant
Can't get hold of it in the UK, would love to. This is by the best animation of this great story. I love the images, of the frost, snow and the hail, dancing on the roof of the castle. I watched a new animation this week 26/12/03, and it was awful, changed completely, even the words to the story. Some things should never change, they are perfect and should remain that way...Like The Selfish Giant
Oscar Wilde Fairy Tale Comes To Animated Life
Ron Oliver24 March 2001
THE SELFISH GIANT who owns a beautiful garden surrounds it with a wall so the local children cannot play there. He is to be taught lessons of humility & kindness in a most poignant fashion.
Oscar Wilde's lovely fable is given an excellent animated interpretation in this little film. The story comes through clearly, while the rendering of the drawings resembles medieval artwork. Notice how even the choice of background music gives the opening credits a monastic feel.
To their credit, the producers do not shy away from the Christian symbolism of the original story's ending. Christianity was in high favor as a romantic ideal in the late Victorian era. Even such a notorious cynic as Wilde admired the ideals of Christian purity & holiness, even as he seemed incapable of incorporating these same values into his private life.
With a fine narration by Paul Hecht & vocals from The King Singers, this is a video gem of high quality.
Oscar Wilde's lovely fable is given an excellent animated interpretation in this little film. The story comes through clearly, while the rendering of the drawings resembles medieval artwork. Notice how even the choice of background music gives the opening credits a monastic feel.
To their credit, the producers do not shy away from the Christian symbolism of the original story's ending. Christianity was in high favor as a romantic ideal in the late Victorian era. Even such a notorious cynic as Wilde admired the ideals of Christian purity & holiness, even as he seemed incapable of incorporating these same values into his private life.
With a fine narration by Paul Hecht & vocals from The King Singers, this is a video gem of high quality.
magic
Kirpianuscus27 April 2018
A well known story. seductive animation. and the perfect clothes for a noble message. short, ideal adaptation for "The Selfish Giant". in few scenes almost better than the original tale. for the sweetness of drawing, for the delicacy of details, for the atmosphere, for gentle manner to translate in lovely - convincing images a seductive universe. a film who you fell. scene by scene. more than a good animation. as a lovely memory. defining yourself.
Simple, moving adaptation
darkthirty2 February 2004
The soundtrack is haunting, yes, and it looks wonderful. I think the story is pretty much Wilde's simplest. And, as always, he avoids the purely "moral" framing of the question for a broader, more humanist approach, even while referencing the central Christian ideology.
Can't say much more about it. I sure would like to get it somewhere, especially the soundtrack.
Can't say much more about it. I sure would like to get it somewhere, especially the soundtrack.
A brilliant film that actually improves Oscar Wilde's already great story.
ibfilmstudies26 August 2006
The story of the selfish giant is in some ways as trite as can be, having been told umpteen times in many different forms. Wilde's original story revived the folk legends and re-pointed them for the sentimental Edwardian audience he was aiming at. His achievement as a storyteller is close to perfect in this tale.
Zander's reworking of the story, together with Ron Goodwin's music, make this into an animated film classic of the sentimental-morality-tale genre. As good in its own way as Disney's Pinocchio, it is a gem of the 1970's. Often overlooked in animated film histories, it is very hard to find nowadays (2006). See it (and hear it) if you get the chance.
Zander's reworking of the story, together with Ron Goodwin's music, make this into an animated film classic of the sentimental-morality-tale genre. As good in its own way as Disney's Pinocchio, it is a gem of the 1970's. Often overlooked in animated film histories, it is very hard to find nowadays (2006). See it (and hear it) if you get the chance.
Charming childhood classic
jamero9 August 1999
I bought this movie for my nephew for the holidays. It's a childhood classic I remember watching about learning to share. It has some religious connotations in it but is sure to stir some emotion in an adult and teach children the idea of sharing.
"Building a wall that will break your heart"
TonyDood10 May 2005
Oscar Wilde wrote several fairy tales and they all tended to be bittersweet, and filled with a longing for a genuine, and all-encompassing love. To know something about Wilde's history is to know a little about where that love longing came from. The Selfish Giant is one of the finest stories he ever wrote and the creators of this short film gave it loving treatment. It's like a beautiful storybook magically come to life, and enhanced with truly haunting, memorable music and thoughtful lyrics. The animation/art direction is simple, subdued and effective, and clearly a lot of care was put into making this project beautiful in a simple way that doesn't overshadow the story. Too bad more projects aren't created with this kind of sincerity.
The Selfish Giant owns a garden where the local children like to play in his absence. When he returns home and sees the children in his garden he builds a wall to keep them out. The garden, lacking the love of the children, goes to sleep. The elements of winter, personified in beautiful, mischievous (but never evil) characters, decide this garden would be a perfect place for them to live year round. The giant is forced to confront the reality that he has built a wall that keeps love not only out of his garden, but out of his heart. However, he proves that redemption of one's character, though it may take hard work, is not impossible and never too late. The ending is overtly Christian in tone, offering salvation as a reward for those who are willing or able to serve others for a greater good, but even without the religious overtones the simple message works, is deeply effective and emotional.
What never ceases to intrigue me is that few people ever acknowledge the fact that such a sensitive, beautiful and morally rich story for children and adults was created by an unrepentant homosexual. It makes me wonder if the people who believe the Selfish Giant went to heaven believe Oscar Wilde went to hell.
The Selfish Giant owns a garden where the local children like to play in his absence. When he returns home and sees the children in his garden he builds a wall to keep them out. The garden, lacking the love of the children, goes to sleep. The elements of winter, personified in beautiful, mischievous (but never evil) characters, decide this garden would be a perfect place for them to live year round. The giant is forced to confront the reality that he has built a wall that keeps love not only out of his garden, but out of his heart. However, he proves that redemption of one's character, though it may take hard work, is not impossible and never too late. The ending is overtly Christian in tone, offering salvation as a reward for those who are willing or able to serve others for a greater good, but even without the religious overtones the simple message works, is deeply effective and emotional.
What never ceases to intrigue me is that few people ever acknowledge the fact that such a sensitive, beautiful and morally rich story for children and adults was created by an unrepentant homosexual. It makes me wonder if the people who believe the Selfish Giant went to heaven believe Oscar Wilde went to hell.
Could Not Remember this Title for the life of Me!
richard.fuller129 August 2003
Something made me recall this story about the man (was it a giant, I wondered) who built a wall around his castle, and winter came and didn't leave. I recalled Snow White, a woman with a flowing white cape who encircled his home and her cape became snow on the ground. There was Jack Frost as well, then the North Wind appeared, like a flying viking. And finally, there was Hail, a man in a tin suit of armor who danced on the roof and shingles. Spring, likewise, was in human form, as a young girl who tries to enter the garden but cannot because of the wall. It must be 30 years since I last saw this story, truly one of a kind, not in the Rankin-Bass or Hanna Barbera mold. I just took a crack all of a sudden that it was a Giant and typed in the Selfish Giant, and there it came. Wow. Definitely a winner. Still remember him tearing down that wall.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
