Why such a low rating, people? Bambi, along with Pinocchio, is a perfect depiction of the often mischievous gift called life. While the overall message of Pinocchio is directly out-spoken, Bambi masters the art of subtlety, because we never have to face one true evil and never see Man in the forest. Bambi just has to deal with the inevitable in life. A slice of life is what Bambi is. We see him as a kid growing up to become the new great prince of the forest and he faces both happiness, rivalry, love and even loss of loved ones. Bambi makes kids acquainted with all sorts of emotions and the beauty of the forest with heavily atmospheric music and visuals instead of sugar-coating it with all happy and bouncy talking animals without any educational aspect or depth to them. That is the definition of an excellent animated movie. There is enough for both kids and adults without insulting the intelligence of kids. Easily one of Disney's best.

The movie starts off pretty slow, but it picks up around the half-way point. It wasn't until there was about 25 minutes left that I realized the story was about growing up. A bit of a delayed realization I know, but I was honestly too distracted by how cutesy it was. Once the 30 minute mark passed, I didn't think I'd like this, but once the darker moments started to show up, I liked it a lot more. Apparently the novel it's based off of is more graphic, I might have to give that a read sometime. The theme of growing up has been done better in Disney movies, (look at "The Lion King" and even "Inside Out" if you want better examples) but "Bambi" is a good addition to that list. It's beautifully animated, innocent at times and pretty dark as well. I recommend showing your kids this if you want to show them what it's like to grow up in a nutshell.

Bambi is a newborn deer heralded as the Young Prince by the other animals of the forest. He is befriended by precocious young rabbit Thumper. Together and with Bambi's mother, he explores the forest. As winter descends, Bambi and his mother survives on bark. Then a hunter kills his mother. He learns to be like his father, the leader. They survive wolves and fires accidentally set by campers. In the end, it is the circle of life.This is a real Disney classic for the youngest kids. Thumper is adorable and Bambi is cute. The music score is brilliantly set to the movie. It also has some tough life obstacles told with respect that can be absorbed by the little one. The old fashion animation is beautiful. This is one of the best.

I saw Bambi a few years ago on video (yes, on video. VHS. Tape) and I wasn't wowed. Since I'm reviewing all the animated Disney movies, I had to watch it again. This time, it enchanted me.Bambi is a young deer, son of the Great Prince of the Forest, known as such for being the oldest and wisest deer. Bambi grows up in the forest under the watchful gaze of his loving mother, while learning how the world works with his pals, Thumper, the rabbit, and Flower, the skunk. Life is tranquil in the forest, except for one thing: man. It is man who results on Bambi having to face the trials and tribulations of growing up.The movie is as simple as it comes. There's no epic adventure, no underlying message (unless it's to respect nature, I suppose). It's just the life of this deer, as he grows from fumbling fawn to a strapping young stag, facing grief, falling in love, and just living life.The relationship between Bambi and those around him, especially his mother, are kept simple and yet they work well. The focus is kept on Bambi. The dialogue is little and only used when needed. The script is well written. There are stakes in this story. Even though I've seen Bambi before, and even had a picture book as a child, I still gasped when Bambi got shot. This is the type of film that sucks you in without even trying.The characters are all lovable, and are well written, and animated well, too! The character animations and anatomy are truly masterful. The subtle movements show the passion behind every brush-stroke. The animation is timed well with the musical score, which also acts as the sound effects for the film. This shines out especially in the April Shower scene; it's hypnotic, mesmerizing and artful. The backgrounds are so enveloping, that it feels like you're one with nature. This isn't just a movie, it's a celebration of nature and all that it has to offer. The animators truly outdid themselves.Once again, the choir has me just as engrossed as the animation before me.The emotions are pure and visceral. There is no hamming up here. The children (well, if you can call them children) act thusly. Thumper is the epitome of what a child character should be; charming and perhaps a bit irksome, but lovable. I was wrong when I said there was no message: Thumper's father's saying about being nice or say nothing at all is something everyone should take to heart.What a beautiful film. Pure emotion, pure celebration of nature. A true animated masterpiece.