Babe - Pig In The City

This movie is astounding in so many ways. The filming is gorgeous and surreal - very painterly. The acting is so believable that when I saw it the first time, I felt that the chimp should get an academy award and then I remembered that he was an animal - totally suspended belief there!

But most importantly, the message of the movie is one that really took root in my heart - I strive to be as brave and honorable as Babe (with mixed results, I admit).

I am a sophisticated movie watcher and no one believes me when I say that Babe, Pig in the City, is my favorite movie. It's that good.

This is one of my favorite films of all time. I remember a few years ago when i first saw it at the movie theater in Disney World, i was about 9. I was in awe of the film, it was quite whimsical, extremely original, at times terrifying, and at times absolutely hilarious. This is about as much of a kid's film as "The Nightmare Before Christmas" (also INCREDIBLE, yet not deserving of its cult status). If you have seen the Nightmare Before Christmas, or know of it, then you know what to expect of this. This film goes against the grain in terms of what a children's film is supposed to be. It is intelligently written and directed, and great entertainment. To this day I still love to watch it on occasion, just to revisit this great love from 5 years in my past. Much has been made of the darkness in this film, and I'll admit, it is intense at times. The scene in which the old clown, played by the incredible mickey rooney, collapses and sets fire to the room after Babe messes up his Chimpanzee act, only to die not soon after, is still difficult to watch, as are a few other scenes. This is dark subject matter in places, but brilliant nonetheless. I've read in reviews here that it is comparable to Fellini, and I must agree. As a HUGE fan of Fellini films, I too notice a wonderful blend of the light and dark in the film. The scene where the Animal Control people invade the house and cage all the animals brings me to tears of sadness, but the scene in which Mrs. Hoggett is bouncing around the roof of the ballroom in a clown costume brings me to tears of joy. This is one of the many riotous and hilarious scenes in the film. The actress who played Mrs. Hoggett deserves some sort of award for her performance, as well. She is a delight.

ALL IN ALL, THIS FILM IS WONDERFUL, CERTAINLY NOT FOR EVERYONE, AND REALLY MORE FOR ADULTS OR OLDER, MORE MATURE KIDS, THAN YOUNGER KIDS, FOR IT MAY WELL PROVE TRAUMATIC.

Either way.........For lovers of film and those looking for a truly well made and Good film, I strongly recommend Babe: Pig In the City. It is a film that may well find a place in your heart.

I'm one of those who found this movie an imaginative, profoundly moving movie with all kinds of themes that are definately appropriate to be explored with children.

By the way, I found the first Babe movie also moving and enjoyable but a very different movie. You could say the first was about Babe finding out about himself and the second about Babe, having found himself, having an impact on the outside world--themes present in most of the worlds major religions!

Some thoughts on the major complaints--

Why does the second movie need to be a rehash as the first? The first Babe movie was great but the second takes the story in an valid new direction.

Being "dark": Babe showed a real picture of how the world is--but at level that kids can understand--and so, this is a great movie for parents to see with their children (OK, maybe not the youngest) and to talk about the themes and reactions children have.

This movie is a profound fable of multiple levels with important lessons most of which have already been discussed.

I feel sorry for the people who just don't "get it" and more importantly, I feel sorry for their children.