Welcome to Movie Mondays, a weekly blog series that takes you on a cinematic odyssey through the world of film! Most weeks have us working through a list of my 100 least favorite movies. But take a break from the worst of the worst on the first Monday of each month when we look at one of Disney’s animated features. These monthly installments will serve as a delightful palate cleanser and reminder of what made you love going to the movies as a kid. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and join me on this unique journey through the highs and lows of the silver screen. I promise you won’t want to miss a single post!

Bambi

1942

Directed by David Hand

Walt Disney’s fifth animated feature, Bambi, hit theaters back in 1942 during the height of World War II. Based on the 1923 novel by Felix Salten, this coming-of-age story follows a young deer named Bambi as he navigates the joys and perils of life in the forest.

The film opens with the birth of Bambi, a wide-eyed fawn who captures the hearts of the forest creatures. As he grows, Bambi befriends the energetic rabbit Thumper and the bashful skunk Flower. Under the guidance of his mother and the Great Prince of the Forest, Bambi learns the ways of the woods.

However, tragedy strikes when Bambi’s mother is shot by a hunter, leaving the young fawn to fend for himself. In a powerful and emotionally devastating scene, the Great Prince appears to lead Bambi away, revealing that he is the fawn’s father.

As Bambi matures into a young buck, he faces new challenges, including earning the affections of his childhood friend Faline and battling the aggressive stag Ronno. The film climaxes with a harrowing forest fire, from which Bambi and his friends narrowly escape.

The animation in Bambi is nothing short of breathtaking, with lush backgrounds inspired by the Eastern American woodlands. The animators’ attention to detail in bringing the animal characters to life is evident in every frame, thanks in part to extensive study of real animals.

While Bambi faced mixed reviews upon its initial release, it has since been recognized as a cinematic masterpiece. The film’s powerful themes of love, loss, and the circle of life continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.

Behind the scenes, Bambi faced numerous challenges, including Walt Disney’s desire to create a more realistic and emotionally compelling film than his previous works. The animators spent years perfecting the look and feel of the animal characters, and the film’s budget ballooned to over $850,000.

Despite the obstacles, Bambi stands as a testament to the power of animation to tell deeply moving stories. Its influence can be seen in countless films that followed, and its characters remain beloved icons of American popular culture.

So, dear readers, what are your thoughts on this classic tale? Did Bambi tug at your heartstrings, or did you find it a bit too somber for a “cartoon”? Share your memories and opinions in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you!