MUBI

(Originally written September 8, 2004)

It is not very often one watches a movie in which everything is perfect: the direction, the images, the story, the characters, and in certain cases, the songs. Pinocchio is one of these rare movies. Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Figaro and Cleo are easily four of the greatest characters in Disney history. The animation brings them to life in a way that establishes their personalities with their facial expressions and actions. The film creatively and beautifully criticizes lying, drinking and smoking. The film sends positive messages to children, without ever being didactic. It is the story of Pinocchio who is attempting to find his place in a world which he is too innocent for, and he comes across temptations, never knowing what to do. This film also paints a more vivid portrait of the ocean than the highly-polished Finding Nemo. The Monstro sequences are intense, creating a haunting sense of atmosphere in an effective way. Made over 60 years ago, Pinocchio has not dated one bit. More recent Disney films like Beauty and the Beast are great, but these slick films do not have the poetically simple beauty of Pinocchio.