Customer Reviews

Linnea in Monets Garden

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

April 28, 2004

I first came upon this charming short in the Children's Room of the Donnell Library, part of the NYPL. I was intrigued by a film for children explaining Monet, one of the harder artists to explain in art appreciation terms for young people. I was not disappointed.

This short from Sweden with English-language dubbing has a number of subtle qualities: a mediation on a well-known but elusive artist and his life; the relationship between Linnea, a curious and sometimes feisty child of about 9 or 10, and her upstairs neighbor, the kindly Mr. Bloom (Blomquist in Swedish), just the right friend and mentor a young person should have to introduce them to art, and on the French countryside they encounter at Giverny, a character in itself. Unusual and charming, Linnea could be introduced to other artists in future films but then the style and content might become formulaic. Better to leave them both in Monet's Garden. The animation is quiet and unobstrusive and would be good to introduce American children to, accustomed to more fast-moving and louder styles.

My sons (3 & 6 years old) both like this movie and have watched it many times. They are active children, but do not watch much TV and are not comfortable with the violence on many videos such as many of the Disney ones. We have several of these movies which they call "scary" and refuse to watch unless a parent is right there. The boys prefer this movie (along with a few others like veggie tales) and both sit still for it. It has sparked some interesting conversations not only about art but also about travel, geography, and languages.

If you and your children prefer a bunch of bells and whistles (or fights and explosions) this is not the video for you. But if you want something different, something lovely without being too sweet or annoying, this is a good choice.

I use this video in an "Arts Alive" presentation I do for third graders. I have used it for 3 years and it is VERY well received by the classes. It really brings Monet's paintings alive and shows them that art still lives. It is a combo of cartoon story, still photos of Monet's works and live-action video of his home in Giverny. A perfect choice for any school arts program of a great video for kids of any age.

The book Linnea in Monet's Garden has been a favorite in our house for years, and when I found the DVD some time ago I bought it right away. Since then it has been played over and over again. By myself, but mostly by my six years old daughter. We have been to Monet's garden in Giverny, and watching the video brings back such good memories.

The vidoe is so creatively made, with the story of the small girl Linnea and her old friend and neighbour Mr. Bloom. They are both lovers of flowers and of painters, and Monet is one of their favorites. They both dream about going from Sweden where they live, to Giverny and Monet's garden outside Paris. And wonder over all wonders, one day their dream comes true. They travel together to Paris and to Giverny, and we are invited to go with them.

The story is told in a charming way, with alot of illustrations from their trip and we also get to know several of Monet's paintings. Both children and adults will learn alot about Monet and his life, and about the impressionist period in art.

Britt Arnhild Lindland

This video will reaffirm your belief in the simple goodness and joy that is America. The small town stories about gentle unknown American citizens that keep the spirit of their ancestors alive and well through age old family and community traditions.
You'll see maple sugaring, daffodil farms, Tom Sawyer Day celebrations, and those glorious Fourth of July parades across the country. You'll witness the seasons pass across our nation and understand how its regional differences make this country unique. Delightful, funny, and uplifting. Charles Kuralt unaffecting manner brings out the best in people.

We got the book first, which we love! Then we got the DVD, and we weren't disappointed. My 5-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son both love watching this short (30 minutes) movie. The only thing is that we want more! Maybe more interactive games on top of the "quiz." The garden sounds add up to the "effect" of a tranquil garden. Although the garden is anything but that (with so many tourists visiting!), the movie overall has a (pardon the cliche) calming---"feel-good" effect.

I, too, teach children about art...I even dress as Linnea. In some classes, I dread putting the video in the VCR because I fear a backlash from the students. However, I have never gotten a negative feedback from students. I believe the mouths are "off" from the words because the original version was most probably not in English. I also believe that Mr. Bloom pronounces her name incorrectly in English which has consequently made me label her as "Lynn-e-ah" rather that "Lynn-a-ah." And I think there's a flaw in the tranlation of Claude Monet's painting that gave the name to the Impressionist Movement. Mr. Bloom calls it "Impression of Dawn," and I think it may be "Impression of Sunrise." Feedback on these issues would be appreciated. Students asked me for years if I'd ever been to Monet's Garden. Watching it all these years, I yearned to and was finally given the opportunity last summer with my son's French class. It was everything the video said it was! I even visited it dressed as Linnea and tourist took pictures with me and asked for my autograph in many different languages. One false impression from Mr. Bloom and Linnea's visit is that YOU are the only visitors. Wrong! It is very crowded. The Esmerelda is just a gift store across the street from Notre Dame, and our tour guide had never heard of the Musee Marmotton...but, I managed to find it and it was truly an awesome experience. I did see someone snap a picture inside and was reprimanded by the guard! On our return to the states, my son then asked to see the video. He now loves it! Do you notice her stomach growling before she says "I'm hungry?" And I really do not get, "There's nothing more real, than right now?" or something like that that she proclaims on the bridge. I hope it has changed some of my students lives. I know it changed mine.

My children age 3 and 6 were bored by this video after watching it only once and they don't watch a lot of "junk" t.v. It is educational, but it didn't hold the interest of my children long enough for them to learn anything. Maybe I can get them to watch it on a car trip, when they are trapped in their car seats?

I bought this video after reading all of the reviews. My daughter grew up with Barney and other TV shows, loves Disney animated films and is generally an aficionado of the visual television/movie medium! I was worried that the pace of this might be too slow and that the criticism mentioned by one reviewer would apply in my daughter's situation. I wanted her to "learn" about Monet, however, so decided to try it out.

She's not an artist and loves action-packed videos, but still loved this video. She immediately identified with Linnea (but laughingly said Linnea is more polite than she!) and loved the interaction with the old man, Mr. Bloom. She was entranced with the glimpses of Monet from photographs and paintings intertwined with the video. Linnea helped her see how the paintings looked "splotchy" up close but were beautiful impressions when viewed from further back.

The only criticism I have is that the mouths don't quite move appropriately with the words being said! This is distracting (and is no doubt why some reviewers thought the video was poor quality). It didn't bother my six year old, however, and after a while, I didn't notice it either.

The video brings Monet to life by the appreciation of his work that it engenders. Its peaceful feeling and pace mesh with the subject and enhance understanding.

Beautiful video. No violence, no kiddy life lessons, no exaggeration or ultra fast paced frames and noise. A lovely video about a young girl and her friend, Mr. Bloom who take a trip to Monet's garden in Paris, France. Alternates between shots of Monet's paintings and gardens and animation. Interesting, informative and gentle. The pace is moderately slow - yet refreshingly calm and....real (a 'real life' exchange/dialogue between two friends on a trip). No flashes or crashes - just a lovely little gem of a video.