I have seen many different versions of the story based on Kenneth Grahame's book, and this is probably the best I've seen. You probably know the story already, but a Mole gets out of his hole and sees a river. He meets Rat and they have a picnic. They later meet Toad and he gets obsessed by motor cars. Finally they battle stoats and weasels to get Toad Hall back. The voice artists that are in this cartoon are just perfect for the four characters. These British actors are Alan Bennett as Mole, Monty Python's Michael Palin as Rat, Sir Michael Gambon as Badger, and my favourite actor and character of the cartoon, Bottom's Rik Mayall as Toad. Also starring The Vicar of Dibley's Emma Chambers as Gaoler's daughter and Vanessa Redgrave as Grandmother. Very good!
14 Reviews
Little critter
ThunderKing627 February 2021
For this take I didn't understand what was going on.
Production wise with animation it was really good. Other than that the story lost me.
One second the toad is in prison. The next he escapes then the story ends.
What can be learned? Animals are cool.
Verdict : confusing
Production wise with animation it was really good. Other than that the story lost me.
One second the toad is in prison. The next he escapes then the story ends.
What can be learned? Animals are cool.
Verdict : confusing
This is not the "Monty Python" version.
Rocket096 June 2000
I am writing this review after seeing this movie on the STARZ! channel by accident. Hopefully, I can save other viewers some confusion. This was advertised as The Wind in the Willows, the live-action film directed by Terry Jones of Monty Python fame and starring Jones along with other former Python stars. This is not that film. This film is actually an animated made-for-TV version. The confusion arises from the fact that both versions were made in 1996 and both feature former Python Michael Palin. He is the voice of Rat in this version and he is the only Monty Python star associated with this production.
To further the confusion this cartoon does begin and end with brief live-action scenes. These scenes show Vanessa Redgrave boating along a river and reading to some children. She also serves as narrator throughout the cartoon.
The animation here is about what you'd expect. It looks like every other version of The Wind in the Willows. But the story is a slight mixture of Kenneth Grahame's original "Willows" and the more recent sequel "Willows in Winter" by William Horwood. Toad's obsession with motor cars is taken from the first book rather than his obsession with airplanes in the second book. A few scenes of winter in the Wild Wood and a brief subplot of Portly the otter being lost are all that is taken from Willows in Winter.
Overall it is a good cartoon. The language is very close to the books and I was glad to see that the animals still smoked pipes and cigars and carried pistols. It has not been "watered-down" for children and simpletons.
To further the confusion this cartoon does begin and end with brief live-action scenes. These scenes show Vanessa Redgrave boating along a river and reading to some children. She also serves as narrator throughout the cartoon.
The animation here is about what you'd expect. It looks like every other version of The Wind in the Willows. But the story is a slight mixture of Kenneth Grahame's original "Willows" and the more recent sequel "Willows in Winter" by William Horwood. Toad's obsession with motor cars is taken from the first book rather than his obsession with airplanes in the second book. A few scenes of winter in the Wild Wood and a brief subplot of Portly the otter being lost are all that is taken from Willows in Winter.
Overall it is a good cartoon. The language is very close to the books and I was glad to see that the animals still smoked pipes and cigars and carried pistols. It has not been "watered-down" for children and simpletons.
Art in Motion
Prof_Lostiswitz5 June 2003
The colours and animation on this are beautiful, some of the best I've seen. The dramaturgy is lacklustre, only the action sequences have any zing. But you'll enjoy seeing animation the way it should be done ( also check out Watership Down and Animal Farm (1954), not to mention Fantasia.
If Cosgrove Hall hadn't set the bar
mikemacqueen1984-321-32021113 October 2020
As wondrous and dreamlike as a hazy afternoon
SmithWinston26 September 2005
This film is packed with nostalgia: of my childhood when I first watched this, of the first novel I read all by myself and of the lovely English countryside.
It's a wonderful adaptation of Wind in the Willows (interspersed with a little from Willows in the Winter). The graceful beauty of the river and its surroundings is captured marvellously in aquarelle-like animation. Light colours evoke the breezy simplicity of fond childhood memories of picnics outdoors and long walks.
And in all of this there is to be found the yearly grand adventure: seasons changing and new avenues beckoning. Ratty describes it best with his poet's heart when he hears some far off call he feels compelled to respond to.
The animation really is beautiful. The style chosen is so fitting for the settings and the story told, that you realise instantly why Disney-like animation would not have been right for this. The plot is dreamy, set in the countryside in warm afternoons and cold winter evenings. The fact that each frame is like an aquarelle painting is what makes the visuals match up so well with this. The paintings are like some old illustrations meant to go with the novel that have come to life and are flowing into motion. I could continue gushing about this forever, but I'll end by commending the artists for having achieved the impossible.
Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad are all perfectly voiced, though I feel a special mention of Mayall's Toad is in order. Whoever thought of casting him in this part was possessed by utter genius. Toad is an over-the-top obsessive character whose energy and zest for life should instantly grab you, and Mayall has caught that completely. It's a troublesome, tiresome, irritating, friendly, genial, loyal animal that can't help falling from one trouble into the next. He's surrounded by friends who stand by him through his silly and at times infuriating antics. There's something endearing about all four of the main characters, but Ratty was always my favourite. Clever and always trustworthy, knowledgeable in the ways of the River, with an appreciation for Its beauty and a respect for Its mysteries.
There are many memorable scenes in this film, with adventures within adventures. Some standouts include Toad's frenzy about his new vehicle and the scene mentioned earlier where Ratty is considering heeding the distant call of a new adventure. Michael Palin's voicing of Ratty in this moment takes on a beautiful lyrical lilt and softness. It almost lulls you into the same spell and you want to rush out and follow that same adventure.
A particularly memorable scene is one where Ratty and Mole are looking for the baby otter Portly who's gone missing. Whilst rowing on the River searching for it, Ratty hears the mysterious sound of a pan-flute or was it the reeds rustling in the wind? He sees a face through the reeds, calling, speaking to his heart and whispering weird and wondrous things. When they eventually come upon the lawn where Portly has been playing, they just manage to see who the otter baby's been keeping company with. It's some mysterious God (the Greek Pan, I think) gently holding Portly, lovingly looking after it and taking care of it, while every animal was worried it might have met a tragic end. The vision disappears and a happy little Portly is taken back to its delighted father.
Later on, when he and Mole are rowing on the River again, Ratty tries to recollect the sight of that strange and wonderful creature whom he describes beautifully. He listens to some song welling up inside of him that is telling him that what he'd witnessed will slowly fade into a dream. And once again we see that strange and magical being dancing around on the grass and playing on its flute, its face slowly fading away through the reeds. Probably to reappear when it wants to dance and play its Panflute in the countryside once more. Or when it wants to make friends among the River's creatures.
A very lovely film indeed, for all ages. Highly recommended for lovers of the country and of the book.
It's a wonderful adaptation of Wind in the Willows (interspersed with a little from Willows in the Winter). The graceful beauty of the river and its surroundings is captured marvellously in aquarelle-like animation. Light colours evoke the breezy simplicity of fond childhood memories of picnics outdoors and long walks.
And in all of this there is to be found the yearly grand adventure: seasons changing and new avenues beckoning. Ratty describes it best with his poet's heart when he hears some far off call he feels compelled to respond to.
The animation really is beautiful. The style chosen is so fitting for the settings and the story told, that you realise instantly why Disney-like animation would not have been right for this. The plot is dreamy, set in the countryside in warm afternoons and cold winter evenings. The fact that each frame is like an aquarelle painting is what makes the visuals match up so well with this. The paintings are like some old illustrations meant to go with the novel that have come to life and are flowing into motion. I could continue gushing about this forever, but I'll end by commending the artists for having achieved the impossible.
Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad are all perfectly voiced, though I feel a special mention of Mayall's Toad is in order. Whoever thought of casting him in this part was possessed by utter genius. Toad is an over-the-top obsessive character whose energy and zest for life should instantly grab you, and Mayall has caught that completely. It's a troublesome, tiresome, irritating, friendly, genial, loyal animal that can't help falling from one trouble into the next. He's surrounded by friends who stand by him through his silly and at times infuriating antics. There's something endearing about all four of the main characters, but Ratty was always my favourite. Clever and always trustworthy, knowledgeable in the ways of the River, with an appreciation for Its beauty and a respect for Its mysteries.
There are many memorable scenes in this film, with adventures within adventures. Some standouts include Toad's frenzy about his new vehicle and the scene mentioned earlier where Ratty is considering heeding the distant call of a new adventure. Michael Palin's voicing of Ratty in this moment takes on a beautiful lyrical lilt and softness. It almost lulls you into the same spell and you want to rush out and follow that same adventure.
A particularly memorable scene is one where Ratty and Mole are looking for the baby otter Portly who's gone missing. Whilst rowing on the River searching for it, Ratty hears the mysterious sound of a pan-flute or was it the reeds rustling in the wind? He sees a face through the reeds, calling, speaking to his heart and whispering weird and wondrous things. When they eventually come upon the lawn where Portly has been playing, they just manage to see who the otter baby's been keeping company with. It's some mysterious God (the Greek Pan, I think) gently holding Portly, lovingly looking after it and taking care of it, while every animal was worried it might have met a tragic end. The vision disappears and a happy little Portly is taken back to its delighted father.
Later on, when he and Mole are rowing on the River again, Ratty tries to recollect the sight of that strange and wonderful creature whom he describes beautifully. He listens to some song welling up inside of him that is telling him that what he'd witnessed will slowly fade into a dream. And once again we see that strange and magical being dancing around on the grass and playing on its flute, its face slowly fading away through the reeds. Probably to reappear when it wants to dance and play its Panflute in the countryside once more. Or when it wants to make friends among the River's creatures.
A very lovely film indeed, for all ages. Highly recommended for lovers of the country and of the book.
A decent adaption with room for improvement
IndustriousAngel31 December 2016
I liked most of the character designs (some of the artwork reminded me of the Rackham illustrations) and the voicework, the music was OK too, never too foreground. The backgrounds in contrast are rather pedestrian and rarely manage to convey the atmosphere of the story. The animation suffers from uneven dynamic.
My biggest nitpick, though, concerns the overall rhythm - some scenes like the Pan episode (which always seemed very central to me) are dealt with in a near offhand way, while Toad's exploits are given too much room (maybe, it's all a matter of taste, of course).
Still recommended as it's surely one of the better adaptions of the book out there (I have to admit I have seen only a few of them, there seem to be more than ten, some rather hard to lay your hands on)
My biggest nitpick, though, concerns the overall rhythm - some scenes like the Pan episode (which always seemed very central to me) are dealt with in a near offhand way, while Toad's exploits are given too much room (maybe, it's all a matter of taste, of course).
Still recommended as it's surely one of the better adaptions of the book out there (I have to admit I have seen only a few of them, there seem to be more than ten, some rather hard to lay your hands on)
Wonderful
laterosenoonvale20 February 2004
This version of "The Wind in the Willows" is the best one I have ever seen. It is very faithful to the book: The narrator is reading the book along, and the characters speak almost their exact lines from the book. Vannesa Redgrave as the Narrator is just lovely. Her voice is soothing and perfect to this story. If you are looking for a faithful adaptation of one of the most beautiful books ever written, check this version out. 10/10
Charming adaptation
armstrongd_uk30 January 2005
Having now watched various versions of WITW with my 3 year old son, this was undoubtedly the best of the bunch for both of us, as well as being the most faithful adaptation, and captures the very special and very English magic of the book.
Right from the start a warm elegiac mood and feel is achieved, and the voices of the four leading characters are all excellently cast. We especially loved Alan Bennet, who for me made Mole come fully alive for the first time, and manages to very subtly inject real humour into his delivery. Messrs Gambon (Badger) and Mayall (Toad), were also perfect.
A perfect way to spend a cosy Sunday afternoon curled up with young (or indeed not so young) family.
Right from the start a warm elegiac mood and feel is achieved, and the voices of the four leading characters are all excellently cast. We especially loved Alan Bennet, who for me made Mole come fully alive for the first time, and manages to very subtly inject real humour into his delivery. Messrs Gambon (Badger) and Mayall (Toad), were also perfect.
A perfect way to spend a cosy Sunday afternoon curled up with young (or indeed not so young) family.
Absolutely charming, and very true to the book
TheLittleSongbird10 August 2009
The book by Kenneth Grahame is a perfectly enchanting one, with the memorable characters and the beautiful story. This animated film is my favourite adaptation of the book, I thought it was beautiful and charming. The animation was splendid, exactly like I pictured it, the film is very true to the book and the music is very lyrical. My favourite scene has to be the one on the riverbank, beautifully done, and is one of my favourite parts of the book. But what made the film is the voice cast, Rik Mayall the standout as Toad, but Michael Palin, Alan Bennett and Michael Gambon voice their characters Rat, Mole and Badger respectively. They were advantaged by a well written script and assured direction. This was a perfect film, and anyone who hasn't seen it already, you will be enchanted by this. 10/10 Bethany Cox.
Road Runner Hour on the River
Snowgo30 May 2014
I was getting along swimmingly with the river characters, and those of the deep, dark woods as well. I enjoyed the characters of Mole, Rat and Badger very much. The illustration was also very well done, through-out. I enjoyed the choice of colors.
Unfortunately, at a certain point, it seemed that this story was going to be focused primarily on loud, narcissistic, vain, boisterous Toad. Now, while I'll freely admit that one meets all types at a riverbank, or in the mansions there-upon, the serenity of the story was shredded by this agitating, impulsive amphibian.
For me, it ruined the whole story, and I was unable to watch past the point where Toad was preparing for his "song" at the party, having, with the help of his friends, chased the ferrets, stoats and weasels out of his ornate, voluminous abode. In contrast to other animated features, such as Watership Down, The Wind In The Willows seems to have been written with much more coarse excitement and soft violence. I regret that this otherwise-charming story fell victim to our frenetic, aggressive way of life.
I heard nary a wind, and saw bare-little Willow. The story needs to be re-written with Toad intermittently appearing, returning from his various and sundry jaunts and sojourns, with something valuable to add to the enjoyment and education of Mole, Rat, and Badger, or whomever else he should meet. Juxta-pose and integrate him with Badger and create some balance.., maybe even some poetry.
Unfortunately, at a certain point, it seemed that this story was going to be focused primarily on loud, narcissistic, vain, boisterous Toad. Now, while I'll freely admit that one meets all types at a riverbank, or in the mansions there-upon, the serenity of the story was shredded by this agitating, impulsive amphibian.
For me, it ruined the whole story, and I was unable to watch past the point where Toad was preparing for his "song" at the party, having, with the help of his friends, chased the ferrets, stoats and weasels out of his ornate, voluminous abode. In contrast to other animated features, such as Watership Down, The Wind In The Willows seems to have been written with much more coarse excitement and soft violence. I regret that this otherwise-charming story fell victim to our frenetic, aggressive way of life.
I heard nary a wind, and saw bare-little Willow. The story needs to be re-written with Toad intermittently appearing, returning from his various and sundry jaunts and sojourns, with something valuable to add to the enjoyment and education of Mole, Rat, and Badger, or whomever else he should meet. Juxta-pose and integrate him with Badger and create some balance.., maybe even some poetry.
The Best Wind in the Willows Adaption
thedaver50010 September 2016
I am a little biased because this is the version I grew up on, but since re-watching it as an adult I still believe it captures the magic of the book better than any other version.
Unlike the others, this version doesn't shy away from the spiritual aspects of the book. Despite apparent danger, this world is inhabited by magical beings who look after the river-folk. Also, even though this movie is for kids, it trusts it's audience to relate to the internal struggle between wanderlust and responsibilities. Both Mole and Toad share this struggle, but each handles it differently. This is a fantastic lesson for kids to learn. The animation is beautiful and looks like a painting come to life. The voice acting is also perfect. Overall, the presentation is great and the story is rich. This movie will enchant children and adults alike.
Unlike the others, this version doesn't shy away from the spiritual aspects of the book. Despite apparent danger, this world is inhabited by magical beings who look after the river-folk. Also, even though this movie is for kids, it trusts it's audience to relate to the internal struggle between wanderlust and responsibilities. Both Mole and Toad share this struggle, but each handles it differently. This is a fantastic lesson for kids to learn. The animation is beautiful and looks like a painting come to life. The voice acting is also perfect. Overall, the presentation is great and the story is rich. This movie will enchant children and adults alike.
Styled Animation Blend of Anime and American
Hollywood_Yoda12 September 2023
When I was but a child, I acted like a child, and I never truly appreciated this film for what it's worth on its own merit. I always compared this to the Disney version that was released in 1947 with Ichabod Crane. It took me more than twenty years to re-find my childhood and to really appreciate this film. Growing up means a lot of things, but appreciation of the arts is something you really do grow with, and I believe my heart grows.
The story itself is great, though, and has much more to offer than the 1947 Disney version, although I somehow feel like I am not being very loyal. The plot is thicker and really does make more sense. And watching this version without thinking about the Disney version, you'll appreciate the film and the work that went into it too. Believe me.
The story itself is great, though, and has much more to offer than the 1947 Disney version, although I somehow feel like I am not being very loyal. The plot is thicker and really does make more sense. And watching this version without thinking about the Disney version, you'll appreciate the film and the work that went into it too. Believe me.
Aesop relives in willows
luigicavaliere15 February 2019
Aesop relives in the characters of " The Wind in the willow". The animal speak and behave as humans. The mole represents the good man that want goes out to see the world. The rat is the good friend and the rate is the discharged man. The toad is the personification of volubility, that can be dangerous and hasty.
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