The Snowman

Words by Naomi Jeffreys

With Christmas Day only four days away, we here at the Rabbit Film Section have been listing and reviewing some of our favourite Yuletide films. But, the question is, is there one film which truly defines Christmas?

Of course, this question is dependent on the viewer watching the film and their opinion of their favourite Christmas film. But, we must ignore that for now and focus on the films themselves.

Perhaps, it is best to approach this question via the countries in which these Christmas films are screened. So, in America, perhaps their definitive Christmas film is ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’, directed by Frank Capra and starring screen legends, James Stewart and Donna Reed. This a film, which, on its original release in 1946, was not originally a hit, in the box office or by the critics.

But, fast forward a couple of decades, and in the age of television, American studios decided to screen the film at Christmas, from then on, it has become a firm American Christmas film. Which deals with the Universal themes of love, life, identity, The American Dream and one man’s journey to discover his place in the world.

Whereas, here in the UK, I believe that the definitive Christmas Film is rather hard to pinpoint. You have the clever comedy, ‘Love Actually’, which is often screen on our televisions in the lead up to Christmas.

But, maybe for us Brits, our definitive Christmas Film is ‘The Snowman’ – written by Raymond Briggs, who also created the wonderfully grumpy, ‘Father Christmas’. In this telling tale of one boys journey to discover Christmas, he learns a little bit more; he learns of the fragility of life and death.

Of course, there are many more Christmas Films which haven’t even been mentioned, each unique and brilliant in their own way.

What do you think, is there a definitive Christmas film?

Words by Naomi Jeffreys

With Christmas fast approaching we can soon look forward to some comforting animated films which will be screened on our television sets this Christmas holiday.

Now, perhaps a somewhat controversial new film, ‘The Snowman and the Snowdog’, is set to be screened on Channel 4 on Christmas Eve at 8pm.

But, can the filmmakers really match the utter brilliance of The Snowman?

The Snowman seemed to catch something in the imagination, it, in essence, embodied the spirit of Christmas. Through music, animation and a writer who had the talent of capturing the magic of Christmas.

Can this magic be repeated?

As someone who watched the Snowman as a nipper, and still, to this day, appreciate the original film. I can’t help feeling a little wary at this sequel.

Sequels, in themselves, are almost always never as good as the original film (with the exception of ‘Toy Story 2’)

What do you think? Is the Snowman and the Snowdog a good idea? Or will the film just crumble in comparison to the majesty of the first film?

‘The Snowman and the Snowdog’ airs on Channel 4, 8pm, on Christmas Eve