This is a kids story with a love story in it's core. Great for children and adults alike. We borrowed this from the library, and after watching we just had to have our own copy. This is a wonderful adaptation of the book by William Steig, Abel's Island. In the story a mouse named Abel gets stranded for a year on a deserted island, and learns to survive while realizing the most important thing in the world to him is the love of his wife. My 9 year old son loves to watch this story, since it has plenty of adventure to keep the kids interested as Abel has to learn how to survive. He is a spoiled rich mouse, who does not know how to fend for himself, yet he has become a Robinson Crusoe of sorts. He fights off an owl determined to eat him, and never stops trying to find a way off the island. Abel teaches himself create fire, to find and store food, build shelter, and to make pottery to eat with. He has to make use of his time and he finally learns he has an artistic side which brings him to sculpt life size images of his friends. His perseverance is incredible against all odds and fears, he never gives up trying. His strength lies in his never ending love.
The animation is very good, this is not simply still pictures from the book, yet it is quite faithful to the illustrations from the original book by the same name. Believe it or not, the lead character is voiced by Tim Curry. The original book by the same title the film is derived from is a very beautiful story, and appeals to the kids as adventure while a parent sees the true romance of the separated husband and wife who love each other so much. The book that the movie is sourced from is of course a wonderful story, it a very important addition any library for kids or adults. A good film to watch before bedtime, I highly recommend!
The Dancing Frog story is a nice addition, they did not have it on the VHS edition.
