The seventh was The Snail and the Whale, a tale about a snail on the tail of a whale, traveling the ocean to see the world. Based on the children book with the same name, it was a sweet and happy story. The animation of the ocean was beautiful and spectacular. Also, there was heart in the theme and I appreciate it. 7.5/10.
14 Reviews
Slow and Steady wins the race!
adamjohns-4257528 December 2020
The Snail And The Whale
This was a slow burning story. It didn't wow me at any point, but it cruised by gently and took me on a sweet journey along with the Snail and her new Whale friend. It was very sweet without having to be too complicated, which I found refreshing and an escape.
It was beautifully drawn and I'm not usually a fan of the Computer Generated cartoons, but because of that, it was able to show such fantastic landscapes and the characters themselves might almost be real animated plasticine, that I could forgive it.
I'm not sure that it was necessary to use the celebrity voices of Sally Hawkins or Rob Brydon for the lead characters, but Diana Rigg was a lovely choice as the Narrator.
It was a perfectly short and simple gem to watch with the little ones and keep them quiet on a Boxing Day or Bank Holiday. Or alternatively you can watch it with your Mum, because you're both children that never grew up like I did.
740.32/1000.
This was a slow burning story. It didn't wow me at any point, but it cruised by gently and took me on a sweet journey along with the Snail and her new Whale friend. It was very sweet without having to be too complicated, which I found refreshing and an escape.
It was beautifully drawn and I'm not usually a fan of the Computer Generated cartoons, but because of that, it was able to show such fantastic landscapes and the characters themselves might almost be real animated plasticine, that I could forgive it.
I'm not sure that it was necessary to use the celebrity voices of Sally Hawkins or Rob Brydon for the lead characters, but Diana Rigg was a lovely choice as the Narrator.
It was a perfectly short and simple gem to watch with the little ones and keep them quiet on a Boxing Day or Bank Holiday. Or alternatively you can watch it with your Mum, because you're both children that never grew up like I did.
740.32/1000.
The Snail and the Whale
Prismark1026 December 2019
Julia Donaldson's story is brought to rhyming life in this colourful animated story of a snail who hitches a lift on a whale.
The snail has adventures in the ocean, meets friendly dolphins and dodges seagulls and sharks.
The snail comes to the aid of the whale when it is stranded on the beach.
It is an animated short that kids would enjoy at Christmas. It does not have the wow factor of Finding Nemo, although I did find this particular adaptation of a Donaldson story had more dash of colour.
I was left wondering how the snail learned basic literacy.
The snail has adventures in the ocean, meets friendly dolphins and dodges seagulls and sharks.
The snail comes to the aid of the whale when it is stranded on the beach.
It is an animated short that kids would enjoy at Christmas. It does not have the wow factor of Finding Nemo, although I did find this particular adaptation of a Donaldson story had more dash of colour.
I was left wondering how the snail learned basic literacy.
Donaldson's most recent adaptation again a success
Horst_In_Translation15 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It's not unusual at all for BBC to release new animated short films for the holidays and the 2019 pick was "The Snail and the Whale" and this is definitely not a surprise as films based on the books by Julia Donaldson have been a thing for a while and not just for the young audiences, but even for prestigious awards bodies. The result is that two-time Oscar nominee Max Lang is also on board again as director for this one here and you can also see from the voice actors how prestigious these films are. And obviously they are going with established formulas again as the narrated rhymes as well as the inclusion of animals at the core of the tale are something you are going to find here as well. I liked it overall. I think maybe in terms of the story, this is not one of the best Donaldson adaptations, but even there we get some nice moments like how the snail manages to save the whale, but also how the whale thanks it the snail eventually when they go on a journey again and this time it is not one snail accompanying him, but a whole lot of snail sitting on the whale tail. Sorry I just had to. Of course, this is no biology/wildlife documentary, so don't wonder why the snails are not drowning when the whale dives down or how they can keep their position, but it's alright. The film does not have to teach children anything, it is supposed to entertain and that it does pretty well most of the time. I said the story did not impress me too much and this refers also to the element of coincidence like for example how the snail is almost eaten by the seagull, but the boy on the swing saves the snail without even knowing. Nonetheless, for each of these slightly weaker moments, we get at least one better moment and of course it is pretty dangerous for the snail to not be stomped on and die under a shoe. Where the film really delivers is the technical side though. With that I do not necessarily mean the animation, which is alright like pretty much everything else about these 25 minutes, but not as outstanding as the audible side. I think the music was really really good and so were the sound effects. Hollywood production can learn from this little movie for sure when it comes to audio design. The voice acting was pretty decent as well, maybe a bit much to give Sally Hawkins ana ward for voicing one of the title characters, but never mind. I like Sally and it is alright. She is definitely the most known cast member here although Game of Thrones fans will probably like Diana Rigg narrating the story as we hear her constantly really. She did a good job overall too and what can I say about her. I still think she is a definite contender for most desirabke Bond girl of all time (maybe right behind Jane Seymour) and I am glad she is still alive in her 80s now. Rob Brydon, who voices the other title character, is probably more known in the UK than here, even if I remember a film about swimmers hitting theaters not too long ago and he played the lead character there. He looks a lot like Steve Coogan, that much is safe. And the aforementioned Max Lang also voices a character here. He is pretty much an institution with these Donaldson adaptations and not only behind the camera it seems. If you can even say that for an animated movie, but you know what I mean. Finally, I want to say a few words about the selection of animals here. Of course, it is also very much about the rhyme, but there is also another smart parallel, namely the biggest and the slowest (not smallest) animal joining forces and becoming close friends that help each other. I quite like the selection here. This also would have wokred nicely without the rhyme. That's all then. This little film gets a thumbs-up from me, even if not a truly enthusiastic recommendation. It is worth seeing though for sure, maybe with your child on his/her birthday for example.
A whale of a tale
TheLittleSongbird26 December 2019
Really like to love all the animated festive adaptations of Julia Donaldson's books. It is not hard to see why they are popular stories and how they lend themselves beautifully to animation first aired in the Christmas break. They are perfect for the whole family, kids and adults alike, when that is done well animated and not it is a winner or at least close to it. 'The Snail and the Whale' is a lovely story with very lovable characters and an adorable relationship between the two titular characters.
It is very lovingly adapted here, true in detail and spirit to the source material with all its impact and it is a delight on its own terms. You won't need to have read the story or be familiar with it to love this, for me this was a standout of festive period television this year and if it didn't have high viewing figures it would be a shame as it is far better than a good deal of programmes this year that were hyped more and aired at times people are possibly more likely to be watching their televisions.
'The Snail and the Whale' is animated gorgeously, those vibrant colours, vivid attention to background detail (actually the attention to detail everywhere in the animation is remarkable) and cute but not too cutesy character designs made it a visual feast. The music is filled with whimsy and matches the images in perfect harmony, not overbearing them and not being at odds with them.
Writing, in rhyme, has plenty for children and adults alike. Children will never find it hard to understand and adults won't, or at least shouldn't, find it childish. The environmental message didn't come over as preachy to me and is still of great relevance now, neither is it out of date or convoluted. The story is charming and touching throughout, with an ending that warms the heart and brings a lump to the throat, and the brief jeopardy 'The Whale and the Snail' has with the snarks never gets too scary.
Both the titular characters are immensely likeable, with the viewer always fully engaged with them, and their bond is adorable and gels remarkably well for quite an odd couple when it comes to animals. Diana Rigg's narration is pitch-perfect, understated yet wholly invested in the story's emotion.
Summing up, wonderful. 10/10
It is very lovingly adapted here, true in detail and spirit to the source material with all its impact and it is a delight on its own terms. You won't need to have read the story or be familiar with it to love this, for me this was a standout of festive period television this year and if it didn't have high viewing figures it would be a shame as it is far better than a good deal of programmes this year that were hyped more and aired at times people are possibly more likely to be watching their televisions.
'The Snail and the Whale' is animated gorgeously, those vibrant colours, vivid attention to background detail (actually the attention to detail everywhere in the animation is remarkable) and cute but not too cutesy character designs made it a visual feast. The music is filled with whimsy and matches the images in perfect harmony, not overbearing them and not being at odds with them.
Writing, in rhyme, has plenty for children and adults alike. Children will never find it hard to understand and adults won't, or at least shouldn't, find it childish. The environmental message didn't come over as preachy to me and is still of great relevance now, neither is it out of date or convoluted. The story is charming and touching throughout, with an ending that warms the heart and brings a lump to the throat, and the brief jeopardy 'The Whale and the Snail' has with the snarks never gets too scary.
Both the titular characters are immensely likeable, with the viewer always fully engaged with them, and their bond is adorable and gels remarkably well for quite an odd couple when it comes to animals. Diana Rigg's narration is pitch-perfect, understated yet wholly invested in the story's emotion.
Summing up, wonderful. 10/10
Good fun and a great addition to the franchise
dan-kelly-126 December 2019
The formula continues to work
xjamesourownx27 December 2019
This animation company saw great success animating the gruffalo, then the gruffalo's child and have continued the pattern until we are on Julia Donaldson's Snail and The Whale. Here we have characters true to the original illustrations gliding through incredibly animated water in this heartwarming story of a snail who lives on a rock but wants to see the world so gets a lift on the tail of a whale. It's made for small children and is full of innocence and charm and is very very watchable. What's makes Donaldson's books work is her charming simple stories but also her rhythm. The TV show keeps the rhythm but slows it right down to create a peaceful dream like film. They don't overcomplicated it, they just deliver the book and make it cute.
Animation Brilliance.
ghounsom-761-31981926 December 2019
Beautifully made
rogercarlallenuk29 February 2020
Beatifully made
josephohara7 June 2020
Gorgeous animation, nice music, and l perfect narration and voices. The little one loves following along with the book, even though it doesn't follow the exact order of all the page illustrations.
If only another reviewer that was concerned about the snail drowning, realised it's a sea snail, not a garden snail.
adventurous
NijazBaBs23 April 2021
This gives insight into how small we humans are. Shows the big world some of us have never seen. Relaxing, simple, funny, creative. Perfect way for those who don't like reading to remember those books. Could be just the way original author imagined it. Magical like dream insight into world, especially nature and animals. Also the shooting stars. All the beings look alive, active, and human like. Also good insight into sea world, and into life of snail. But still not as magical as The Snowman (1982).
Perfect movie for kids, captures the magic
mattyschreck-0849512 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
All movies of Julia Donaldson books are great, but this one stands out as a particularly beautiful adaptation. The sceneries are beautiful, there's a little bit of action, but also just quiet and funny moments. Every time we watch it, my kids are completely transfixed. I think part is that the snail forces things to slow down, and so the scenes can be fast, but the snail is the slow anchor.
Later, when the snail comes back home and gets the other snails to join, I always have to wipe a little tear out of my eye... The scene and the music is really beautiful.
I highly recommend all the movies about Julia Donaldson books, but if you only want to watch one of them, then make.it this one.
Later, when the snail comes back home and gets the other snails to join, I always have to wipe a little tear out of my eye... The scene and the music is really beautiful.
I highly recommend all the movies about Julia Donaldson books, but if you only want to watch one of them, then make.it this one.
One of my favourites
stevesaywood8 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
To be honest, I wasn't overly fussed with this one on first viewing, but as I've watched it more and more with my kids, it's become one of my favourite of the Julia Donaldson specials. The animation is fantastic as always, the voice acting perfectly sets the tone, and the music is very tranquil.
Rob Brydon's performance as the whale, especially as he's describing the scenery around them as they go around the world is very relaxing, and the scene when he gets beached is gut-wrenching on an almost Pixar level. I must have read the book to my kids a thousand times by now, and I genuinely wondered if they were gonna deviate from the book completely when the villagers (and the snail) rescued him.
Rob Brydon's performance as the whale, especially as he's describing the scenery around them as they go around the world is very relaxing, and the scene when he gets beached is gut-wrenching on an almost Pixar level. I must have read the book to my kids a thousand times by now, and I genuinely wondered if they were gonna deviate from the book completely when the villagers (and the snail) rescued him.
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