The Snowman (1982)

The Snowman

• "I remember that winter because it had brought the heaviest snow I had ever seen. Snow had fallen steadily all night long and in the morning I woke in a room filled with light and silence, the whole world seemed to be held in a dream-like stillness. It was a magical day... and it was on that day I made The Snowman." Coming in as the 8th perfect movie in the history of the Raspberry, this was one of the most special movies to me. Now technically, it’s not an actual movie, as it’s only 27 minutes long, but it’s so emotional and personal to me that I absolutely have to review it. Every year as a kid, I would watch this at my grandma’s house, and that specific memory is one of the most special Christmas memories that I have. I really can’t explain why this little animated film is so beautiful and personal, but everytime I watch it I pretty much break down. Even now, it doesn’t get old, and despite it being about a snowman that comes to life, it's not childish at all. The film is beautifully made, and the animation is absolutely spot on. You can see each and every line that was drawn, as well as a great color scheme. For many scenes, the colors are a little bland because of the snow and the dim night, but even then, it’s still really pretty. There are also several bright colored scenes that really personify the snowmen, and it gives the film magnificent life. There is something really special about a small kid who builds a snowman and has a night of adventure with him, and it’s one of the best feel-good films you’ll ever see. It’s extremely warming and pleasant, and both the story and animation give it the magical feel that it has. (Spoiler ahead!) However, the ending is one that pulls at your heartstrings, and it’s definitely one of the movie endings where I’ve cried the hardest. Even though I know what’s coming, it’s something that always punches you right in the gut, and though I love it, it’s also so hard to sit through. One of the best things about this short film is the score. It’s absolutely phenomenal, and probably one of my favorite animated film scores of all time. Howard Blake wrote a freaking knock-out of a score, and a lot of it revolves around the beautiful song “Walking in the Air”. Peter Auty, who was a choirboy, sang the song in the film, which was the only spoken word throughout the whole thing (minus the introduction by Raymond Briggs). What’s great is that the entire film is told through the orchestra, which I always really enjoy. The score does an amazing job of showing the emotions that the characters go through, as well as the mood and tone of each scene. Overall, this is, to me, one of the greatest short films ever made, and easily my favorite short film I’ve seen. I watch it multiple times every year, and it’s one that is so beautiful, emotional, and above all, personal. I would HIGHLY recommend it to everyone, and if you think it’s too youthful for you, I give my personal guarantee that you will enjoy it. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!