As in another user comment on this movie, I first saw this on HBO as a kid. The mix of live footage and animation makes the events in the story seem more authentic and believable and also maintains a connection with reality that drives home the ecological message. As a kid, I remember liking the songs, which are still enjoyable, and being fascinated by the aboriginal elements. Upon second viewing recently, I was struck by the environmental and anthropological themes. It is still magical, and the ending remains affecting.
28 Reviews
Cheap, repetitious, recycled animation--sweet, charming story.
Jeremy Bristol2 December 2002
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of those movies that I watched when I was a kid that looked much better then than it does now (okay, not really, but I *remember* it looking better). In fact, this movie was probably the reason I'm into Australian animals so much.
The animation is a little better than Gross' other features, and the songs are all entertaining (at least the first time through), but I have to admit the best scene in any Gross feature is the live action carnival scene at the beginning of Toby and the Koala. Storywise, though, Dot and the Kangaroo is the best--mildly satirical, witty, and, in the end, sadder than any of Disney's tearjerking movies since Old Yeller (since most of them, from The Black Cauldron to Beauty and the Beast, walk up the road to tragedy then jump back at the last possible second--even after characters "die"). *(Spoiler)* DatK doesn't do that, or at least not so shamelessly, since kangaroo is only injured at one point, and she never finds her little joey. She merely helps little Dot get home, as if it were her way of dealing with her loss. *(end spoiler)*
In the end, though, the animation does become distracting and detracting. Just about every song is repeated twice in a row, with almost exactly the same animation, and often animation is repeated or recycled (sometimes using "speaking" animation when the character is no longer talking!). And Dot's voice is a little grating at times (I think it's an adult woman trying to sound like a little girl, but with little success--I wish animators would more often take the route of Isao Takahata's "Grave of the Fireflies" and hire children for the voices of children!).
The animation is a little better than Gross' other features, and the songs are all entertaining (at least the first time through), but I have to admit the best scene in any Gross feature is the live action carnival scene at the beginning of Toby and the Koala. Storywise, though, Dot and the Kangaroo is the best--mildly satirical, witty, and, in the end, sadder than any of Disney's tearjerking movies since Old Yeller (since most of them, from The Black Cauldron to Beauty and the Beast, walk up the road to tragedy then jump back at the last possible second--even after characters "die"). *(Spoiler)* DatK doesn't do that, or at least not so shamelessly, since kangaroo is only injured at one point, and she never finds her little joey. She merely helps little Dot get home, as if it were her way of dealing with her loss. *(end spoiler)*
In the end, though, the animation does become distracting and detracting. Just about every song is repeated twice in a row, with almost exactly the same animation, and often animation is repeated or recycled (sometimes using "speaking" animation when the character is no longer talking!). And Dot's voice is a little grating at times (I think it's an adult woman trying to sound like a little girl, but with little success--I wish animators would more often take the route of Isao Takahata's "Grave of the Fireflies" and hire children for the voices of children!).
Where do I begin?
rockndaparadise22 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Okay, for me, this movie has a lot of back-story. One of my personal childhood movies was "Dot and the Whale", an incredible animated movie that I fondly remember watching on the Disney Channel and a couple times in school. I knew that movie was part of a series of movies, and so I was tempted to see the movie that started it all, which was this one.
"Dot and the Kangaroo" is an animated feature film from the 1970's based on an 1899 novel written by Ethel Pedley. I do find it kind of strange that this movie spawned off a line of sequels that really had nothing to do with Pedley's novel, but that's far from a criticism.
Here are the good points: Overall, I should say that it's a pretty good movie. It has likable characters, and the animators seemed to do a nice job mixing in animation with live action. I'm sure that children will enjoy it.
Here are the bad points: These are all just minor flaws, but the movie is full of a lot of pointless musical numbers that seem to pop up out of nowhere and serve no purpose to the film, but that's not to say they are bad songs. Also, the ending seems kind of anti-climatic. That's a bad thing because the movie doesn't really end; it just stops. It's also a good thing, because it sets the stage for a sequel and gives you the impression that this is the beginning of a saga.
There were a ton of movies in the Dot series that followed this, but today, they're really hard to find. Sadly, "Dot and the Kangaroo" is, to the best of my knowledge, the only Dot movie to have a DVD release. The others were released on VHS but never DVD; I don't know why.
Despite the minor flaws I mentioned, "Dot and the Kangaroo" is a real heart-warming film, and I recommend checking it out. Netflix it today.
"Dot and the Kangaroo" is an animated feature film from the 1970's based on an 1899 novel written by Ethel Pedley. I do find it kind of strange that this movie spawned off a line of sequels that really had nothing to do with Pedley's novel, but that's far from a criticism.
Here are the good points: Overall, I should say that it's a pretty good movie. It has likable characters, and the animators seemed to do a nice job mixing in animation with live action. I'm sure that children will enjoy it.
Here are the bad points: These are all just minor flaws, but the movie is full of a lot of pointless musical numbers that seem to pop up out of nowhere and serve no purpose to the film, but that's not to say they are bad songs. Also, the ending seems kind of anti-climatic. That's a bad thing because the movie doesn't really end; it just stops. It's also a good thing, because it sets the stage for a sequel and gives you the impression that this is the beginning of a saga.
There were a ton of movies in the Dot series that followed this, but today, they're really hard to find. Sadly, "Dot and the Kangaroo" is, to the best of my knowledge, the only Dot movie to have a DVD release. The others were released on VHS but never DVD; I don't know why.
Despite the minor flaws I mentioned, "Dot and the Kangaroo" is a real heart-warming film, and I recommend checking it out. Netflix it today.
Memories ...
buffelina2220 January 2004
I remember watching this beautiful film when I was a little girl ... being captivated by Dot and Kangaroo's adventures in the Australian wild, and then being moved to tears at the end when they part. 20 years have now passed since my first viewing, and it still brings bittersweet tears to my eyes.
Has anyone read the book?
bodger117 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Man, this is a sad film! I first saw this on HBO in 1980 and I enjoyed it, but I did not like the ending. Dot crying over her lost friend is just heartbreaking! I wondered recently if the book could be this sad too?
Being curious, I decided to track down the original source novel by Ethel Pedley. I read it and was surprised at how good it was and close to the movie and how different too!
Warning! Spoilers follow! Do not read if you don't want to know what happens! Well, after the same adventures as in the movie (except for the part about the hideous monster, the bunyip), Dot and her kangaroo friend make it to her home.
Her father is about to shoot the kangaroo, but Dot intervenes. They all become friends when Dot explains how the kangaroo saved her life. However, the best part of the book is when the kangaroo FINDS her lost joey! This is the only case where I have seen the book have an upbeat ending, whereas the movie does not. The only problem I had with the book was that it was dated.
I mean really dated with its' views on race! It was published in 1899, so there were some unfortunate racial stereotypes mentioned when they meet the aborigines. Still, this is very interesting historical fiction! My recommendation is to see the movie first. Then, read the book. Keep in mind the publication date!
That's my rant! Bodger1.
Being curious, I decided to track down the original source novel by Ethel Pedley. I read it and was surprised at how good it was and close to the movie and how different too!
Warning! Spoilers follow! Do not read if you don't want to know what happens! Well, after the same adventures as in the movie (except for the part about the hideous monster, the bunyip), Dot and her kangaroo friend make it to her home.
Her father is about to shoot the kangaroo, but Dot intervenes. They all become friends when Dot explains how the kangaroo saved her life. However, the best part of the book is when the kangaroo FINDS her lost joey! This is the only case where I have seen the book have an upbeat ending, whereas the movie does not. The only problem I had with the book was that it was dated.
I mean really dated with its' views on race! It was published in 1899, so there were some unfortunate racial stereotypes mentioned when they meet the aborigines. Still, this is very interesting historical fiction! My recommendation is to see the movie first. Then, read the book. Keep in mind the publication date!
That's my rant! Bodger1.
A lovely movie
ethereal_heart18 September 2007
Well I must agree I haven't seen this in a long time since I was five, but now after seeing it again I understood everything.
If you play close attention you might learn something, it's fun while it lasts though you gotta admit the scene when they sing about the bunyip is creepy especially the background music for it.
But the rest is very enjoyable but fair enough although it doesn't exactly have a happy ending and it's a bit heart-wrenching when you do I should know after seeing it again when we got to the end, I couldn't help it, it was so sad it made me and my sister cry. Well who wouldn't at seeing how much Dot misses her friend already...
But there's a moral for those after seeing the end don't be sad for all we know someday those two friends will meet again and she's not gone forever and would't want her friend sad plus she'll live in your heart no matter what.
That's all that matters out of all the scale it's very lovely movie I suggest if kids are gonna watch this watch it with their folks for support and understanding
If you play close attention you might learn something, it's fun while it lasts though you gotta admit the scene when they sing about the bunyip is creepy especially the background music for it.
But the rest is very enjoyable but fair enough although it doesn't exactly have a happy ending and it's a bit heart-wrenching when you do I should know after seeing it again when we got to the end, I couldn't help it, it was so sad it made me and my sister cry. Well who wouldn't at seeing how much Dot misses her friend already...
But there's a moral for those after seeing the end don't be sad for all we know someday those two friends will meet again and she's not gone forever and would't want her friend sad plus she'll live in your heart no matter what.
That's all that matters out of all the scale it's very lovely movie I suggest if kids are gonna watch this watch it with their folks for support and understanding
Beware the Bunyip!!!
uglyklown7 April 2003
This film was repeatedly shown on british TV early on Saturday mornings, and I NEVER missed it. Boy did I love this film in the 80's whilst growing up. Well now nearly 30 (BOO HOO!!), nostalgia starts kicking in and I started to remember what I loved about the 80's. I remembered this movie and set off using the world wide web to track a copy down. I found help from a most unusual source, the director himself! Yoram Gross helped me obtain, via e-mails from Oz, a DVD copy. HOW COOL! Was I disapointed?
No............
The film looks dated, then so do I. Compared to the excellent CGI these days used for animated giants like Shrek and Toy Story this comes last in the egg and spoon race. But this film oodles charm. The story is very innocent, even compared to Shrek and Toy Story, and children will love it. Now I'm definately not one of those people who bang on about films causing kids to rebel and hurt, maim and kill folks. But if you are this film will only cause your kids to "jump in the pouch of a red kangaroo, hippety hoppety, hippety hop". I had not heard the songs for maybe 20 years yet still knew nearly every word. The way the animation is mixed with real time footage is charming and adds to the film, even if Roger Rabbit did it 100 times better. The animals are truly adorable and you warm to them all, exept the Bunyip which is just frightening enough for the age it's aimed at, still don't wanna meet one at 30 though!!!
So dated, yes. Fun, massively. Heart warming, definately. Memorable.........."Quack, quack, quack, quack, all we wanna do all day is quack.......quack, quack......QUACK!"
No............
The film looks dated, then so do I. Compared to the excellent CGI these days used for animated giants like Shrek and Toy Story this comes last in the egg and spoon race. But this film oodles charm. The story is very innocent, even compared to Shrek and Toy Story, and children will love it. Now I'm definately not one of those people who bang on about films causing kids to rebel and hurt, maim and kill folks. But if you are this film will only cause your kids to "jump in the pouch of a red kangaroo, hippety hoppety, hippety hop". I had not heard the songs for maybe 20 years yet still knew nearly every word. The way the animation is mixed with real time footage is charming and adds to the film, even if Roger Rabbit did it 100 times better. The animals are truly adorable and you warm to them all, exept the Bunyip which is just frightening enough for the age it's aimed at, still don't wanna meet one at 30 though!!!
So dated, yes. Fun, massively. Heart warming, definately. Memorable.........."Quack, quack, quack, quack, all we wanna do all day is quack.......quack, quack......QUACK!"
A formative film
Leofwine_draca2 March 2023
One of the formative films from my childhood. I think I must have only been about 5 when I watched this and I was understandably traumatised by certain moments, including the infamous bunyip scene which, as of then, was one of the most frightening things I've ever witnessed. It's quite laughable as an adult, of course, but I do like the way they bring the Aboriginal cave paintings to life. The ending packs the same kind of emotional punch as THE SNOWMAN and is tough to watch even now. I love the mix of quaint animation with live-action backgrounds which I still feel is a truly innovative touch. Growing up watching stuff like this, NEIGHBOURS and FROG DREAMING has given me an enduring love for all things Australian!
So, a SAD kids movie?
mcolson29 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Wow! One of the greatest movies I have ever seen. Because of the great voice talent? Not really. For the amazing animation? Hardly. (Worse than 60's HB's). The animated characters on a live-action background? That helped convince me to rent it after my wife's reminiscing. But when she told me that it was a sad cartoon movie and doesn't have a standard happy ending, I said, "Oh, we must see this." Being an Austrailian film, it's not easy to find, (We wrote a few e-mails to Netflix before it became available) but well worth it. It is very touching and bold, and the characters are deeper than the animation leads you to believe. Yoram Gross's vision, assumably, was to expose kids to the Bush's' point of view which he did a swell job. Overall, a frolicking adventure that opens with a girl (Dot) crying because she is lost in the bush. The kangaroo that finds and helps her has also lost her joey. After the parents give up on her and the roo is almost killed protecting Dot, she returns home never to see her friend again. I have never in my life seen such a sad kids movie but my two young daughters were both moved and very much enjoyed it. A MUST on many levels.
Bizarre Cartoon
wheresyourlobster11 January 2008
I just finished watching Dot and The Kangaroo with my 4 year old son. I would have been 5 years old when this weird combination of animation and camera footage was released. My mother in law bought the DVD at Walmart for $1.00 American. My son seemed to enjoy it and I thought it was strange enough to warrant a view. One of the things that I found disturbing was the two little mice playing patty cake while singing about their boyfriends eating snakes. The music was rather relaxing. I had no idea what this thing was when we popped it in. Mother in law bought all of these strange videos for a buck each and most of them are like Chinese cartoons that have been dubbed over in English. Since I like anything strange, I enjoyed this.
Nearly 30 years ago...
wozzasfc14 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This Australian part animation, part live is now nearly 30 years old, and maybe this is the time for a remake. I am never a fan of remakes ordinarily, but though a classic in it's own right, Dot and the Kangaroo is a hazed memory for many adults, and is almost never shown on television for the latest generation of children.
The story of a young girl lost in the Australian bush is befriended by a kangaroo who has lost her very own joey (which is never found). The film follows their adventures in returning Dot to her family using some now very dated looking crossover filming between live action and animation, which at the time was very impressive.
This is not a traditional feature length cartoon for two simple reasons. Almost every cartoon has a happy, everybody lives happily ever after feel to it...this one doesn't. And there is a creature called a Bunyip in this movie which is going to GET YOU... As a young child, you may just worry about this for a while, especially if you live in Australia... Usually the token scary monster of a cartoon is so over the top it's laughable. This is a little more than that, and must not be dumbed down for any remake. That would be unacceptable!
This is a must for anyone who remembers the film and wants a nostalgic trip, but for newcomers, maybe you should wait for a remake (if ever) -or just avoid the film as I have no doubt you will never understand what all the fuss is about. You will hear Dot singing about the best way to travel being in the pouch of a red kangaroo, and switch off immediately. This aside, the film may still appeal to young children.
The story of a young girl lost in the Australian bush is befriended by a kangaroo who has lost her very own joey (which is never found). The film follows their adventures in returning Dot to her family using some now very dated looking crossover filming between live action and animation, which at the time was very impressive.
This is not a traditional feature length cartoon for two simple reasons. Almost every cartoon has a happy, everybody lives happily ever after feel to it...this one doesn't. And there is a creature called a Bunyip in this movie which is going to GET YOU... As a young child, you may just worry about this for a while, especially if you live in Australia... Usually the token scary monster of a cartoon is so over the top it's laughable. This is a little more than that, and must not be dumbed down for any remake. That would be unacceptable!
This is a must for anyone who remembers the film and wants a nostalgic trip, but for newcomers, maybe you should wait for a remake (if ever) -or just avoid the film as I have no doubt you will never understand what all the fuss is about. You will hear Dot singing about the best way to travel being in the pouch of a red kangaroo, and switch off immediately. This aside, the film may still appeal to young children.
It gave me nightmares for years...
dawn188122 June 2006
Apparently I am swimming against the tide of the glowing comments on this film. I have not seen it since I was 4 or 5 years old but there is one thing I remember distinctly...
The Bunyip was TERRIFYING!!! Nightmare inducing terrifying. With the creepy music and the little girl and kangaroo running/hopping away for their lives...
As a kid I also remember the animated Hobbit... no worries. Watership down? Didn't blink an eye. Dot and the Kangaroo? It still haunts my dreams. And I have several friends the same age who also think it was massively creepy. Maybe we can get a group rate on therapy.
In short: one freaky film for its time.
The Bunyip was TERRIFYING!!! Nightmare inducing terrifying. With the creepy music and the little girl and kangaroo running/hopping away for their lives...
As a kid I also remember the animated Hobbit... no worries. Watership down? Didn't blink an eye. Dot and the Kangaroo? It still haunts my dreams. And I have several friends the same age who also think it was massively creepy. Maybe we can get a group rate on therapy.
In short: one freaky film for its time.
one of my favourite movies as a kid
cock_ocean16 November 2004
This was one of my favorite movies when i was little. I think the first time i saw it, i was about 5 or 6, and my mom put it on after I got a happy-meal from McDonalds. I always wanted to watch the movie but cried every time at the end. This is definitely one of my favorite movies of my youth. It's an amazing cartoon adventure of a girl who leaves home and is befriended by a kangaroo.
I haven't seen this movie in maybe 17 years or more, but I would like to buy it. The animation is fantastic and is truly one of the better animated films even though it will now be outdated. I think its a fantastic story and should be rented and never forgotten. A seminal cartoon for me. -Aaron.
I haven't seen this movie in maybe 17 years or more, but I would like to buy it. The animation is fantastic and is truly one of the better animated films even though it will now be outdated. I think its a fantastic story and should be rented and never forgotten. A seminal cartoon for me. -Aaron.
Lovely, also one of the better Dot films
TheLittleSongbird3 July 2017
The first instalment in the Dot film series, 'Dot and the Kangaroo' is one of the better entries of that series of films, is one of Yoram Gross' better films and is one of the best overall examples of Australian animation. While not perfect, it is a lovely film and, while remembered fondly by those who saw it as a child, under-appreciated now.
It is agreed that the animation is not too great, lacking in vibrancy and the drawing does lack finesse. A good deal of it is also rather repetitive, particularly in some of the songs. Speaking of the songs, my feelings on them were mixed. The songs that don't really work, due to excessive cheesiness and pointlessness, is "Platypus Duet", "I'm a Frog" and "In the Kangaroo Pouch".
However, some of the songs do work. The best song is the sublime "Dreamtime" and "Quark Ducks" is pretty funny, the sometimes hilarious lyrics are easy to quote. "The Bunyip" is suitably creepy without being traumatising.
While the animation was not great on the most part, the live photographic backgrounds were very detailed and quite beautifully done. The script is funny, sometimes scary and heart-warming and the characters are engaging with a relatable titular character, a creepy villain and some other fun characters. The voice acting is good from the likes of Barbara Frawley, Spike Milligan and Ron Haddrick.
It is the story where 'Dot and the Kangaroo' most shines. Parts are fun and others are scary, but it's the charm and emotional heart that's particularly note-worthy, really warming the heart and moving even the most cynical of adults to at least a tear or two. The messaging is sincere and never preachy or tacked-on.
Overall, a lovely film and one of the better Dot films. A good example of Australian animation. 8/10 Bethany Cox
It is agreed that the animation is not too great, lacking in vibrancy and the drawing does lack finesse. A good deal of it is also rather repetitive, particularly in some of the songs. Speaking of the songs, my feelings on them were mixed. The songs that don't really work, due to excessive cheesiness and pointlessness, is "Platypus Duet", "I'm a Frog" and "In the Kangaroo Pouch".
However, some of the songs do work. The best song is the sublime "Dreamtime" and "Quark Ducks" is pretty funny, the sometimes hilarious lyrics are easy to quote. "The Bunyip" is suitably creepy without being traumatising.
While the animation was not great on the most part, the live photographic backgrounds were very detailed and quite beautifully done. The script is funny, sometimes scary and heart-warming and the characters are engaging with a relatable titular character, a creepy villain and some other fun characters. The voice acting is good from the likes of Barbara Frawley, Spike Milligan and Ron Haddrick.
It is the story where 'Dot and the Kangaroo' most shines. Parts are fun and others are scary, but it's the charm and emotional heart that's particularly note-worthy, really warming the heart and moving even the most cynical of adults to at least a tear or two. The messaging is sincere and never preachy or tacked-on.
Overall, a lovely film and one of the better Dot films. A good example of Australian animation. 8/10 Bethany Cox
A great film but too many sequels! Two sequels was quite enough!
michael-bungay31 December 2013
I am focusing my attention on the story of 'Dot and the Kangaroo'. Now I am reviewing a film that can only be seen by a British audience on YouTube unless in this case, you happen to own a multi-region DVD Player. Therefore, I am composing this review to the best of what I have managed to gather from watching the film on YouTube. Anyway here goes, the film is based on the posthumous 1899 novel of the same name by Ethel C. Pedley (1859-1898).
The film begins with 5-year-old Dot (Barbara Frawley) lost and alone in the woods of New South Wales after asking her parents' permission to go off exploring only to fall down an embankment. Wondering through the woods and encountering wild animals, the child is thankfully found by a mother kangaroo (Joan Bruce who also plays Dot's mother) who has lost her joey and therefore is inclined to help Dot. Thus Dot embarks on an amazing musical adventure through the wilds of the Australian Outback in the safety of the kangaroo's pouch.
Now, the kangaroo can keep Dot safe but she cannot help her alone and the other animals of the forest cannot help them either, mostly due to their anger towards humans. 'What have the humans ever done for us?' Some of the animals ask aloud despite most of them being friendly towards Dot. Indeed, by this time, Dot's parents have realised their daughter's absence and her father (Ron Haddrick) and grandfather are looking for her.
The other animals put their anger to one side upon hearing of the kangaroo's reasons for helping Dot and recommend seeking help from the platypus couple (June Salter and the great Spike Milligan). This our heroines do, discovering the Jenolan caves that are along the way and learning of the mythological Bunyip of Indigenous Australian legend from the Aboriginal Art that graces the walls of these caves.
The platypus couple are no more trusting towards mankind as the rest of the animal kingdom but their advice leads our heroines to the more friendly Willie-Wagtail (Ross Higgins) and hopefully lead Dot home. It also leads to a brief encounter with some aborigines and their dingoes near the Blue Mountains, which only serves to further strengthen the bond between Dot and the red kangaroo. Of course, there is only so long that such a bond can hold without potentially upsetting the balance of Nature.
In a ground-breaking (for its time) film that will pull at the heart-strings of its audience to an extreme degree, directors Yoram and Sandra Gross go to great lengths to portray the negative impact of Mankind on Nature from around 1884 onwards, as is emphasised in the book as well as portraying animated characters within a live-action setting. Indeed, the film certainly goes some way to achieving this goal as it was successful enough to spawn eight sequels, each of which featuring young Dot learning more about what her kind have done and are still doing to the Animal kingdom and some in cases, to themselves.
Therefore, young Dot will continue to strive to get that message across to the rest of her kind whatever it takes even if it means going on more adventures or dare I say it, exposing some of the more negative aspects of Dot's character that you will not really see as such in the earlier sequels. Good luck trying to find the time to watch the remainder of Dot's adventures because eight sequels is a lot to get through and if you ask me, the style, quality and appeal of the animation (not to mention the plots) will gradually start to vary and not always for the better. Of course this is just my personal opinion, and as the old saying goes, 'Each to their Own'.
The film begins with 5-year-old Dot (Barbara Frawley) lost and alone in the woods of New South Wales after asking her parents' permission to go off exploring only to fall down an embankment. Wondering through the woods and encountering wild animals, the child is thankfully found by a mother kangaroo (Joan Bruce who also plays Dot's mother) who has lost her joey and therefore is inclined to help Dot. Thus Dot embarks on an amazing musical adventure through the wilds of the Australian Outback in the safety of the kangaroo's pouch.
Now, the kangaroo can keep Dot safe but she cannot help her alone and the other animals of the forest cannot help them either, mostly due to their anger towards humans. 'What have the humans ever done for us?' Some of the animals ask aloud despite most of them being friendly towards Dot. Indeed, by this time, Dot's parents have realised their daughter's absence and her father (Ron Haddrick) and grandfather are looking for her.
The other animals put their anger to one side upon hearing of the kangaroo's reasons for helping Dot and recommend seeking help from the platypus couple (June Salter and the great Spike Milligan). This our heroines do, discovering the Jenolan caves that are along the way and learning of the mythological Bunyip of Indigenous Australian legend from the Aboriginal Art that graces the walls of these caves.
The platypus couple are no more trusting towards mankind as the rest of the animal kingdom but their advice leads our heroines to the more friendly Willie-Wagtail (Ross Higgins) and hopefully lead Dot home. It also leads to a brief encounter with some aborigines and their dingoes near the Blue Mountains, which only serves to further strengthen the bond between Dot and the red kangaroo. Of course, there is only so long that such a bond can hold without potentially upsetting the balance of Nature.
In a ground-breaking (for its time) film that will pull at the heart-strings of its audience to an extreme degree, directors Yoram and Sandra Gross go to great lengths to portray the negative impact of Mankind on Nature from around 1884 onwards, as is emphasised in the book as well as portraying animated characters within a live-action setting. Indeed, the film certainly goes some way to achieving this goal as it was successful enough to spawn eight sequels, each of which featuring young Dot learning more about what her kind have done and are still doing to the Animal kingdom and some in cases, to themselves.
Therefore, young Dot will continue to strive to get that message across to the rest of her kind whatever it takes even if it means going on more adventures or dare I say it, exposing some of the more negative aspects of Dot's character that you will not really see as such in the earlier sequels. Good luck trying to find the time to watch the remainder of Dot's adventures because eight sequels is a lot to get through and if you ask me, the style, quality and appeal of the animation (not to mention the plots) will gradually start to vary and not always for the better. Of course this is just my personal opinion, and as the old saying goes, 'Each to their Own'.
A simply wonderful & magical animated children's film treat
Woodyanders5 March 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Boy, do I have fond memories of seeing this delightful cartoon feature on cable TV as a kid in the early 80's. I just bought a copy of this gem on DVD and rewatched it. I'm happy to report it still has the ability to powerfully move and captivate me now as an adult like it did when I was a little boy.
Adorable little redhead girl Dot gets hopelessly lost in the Australian outback. Dot meets and befriends a nicely, loving, motherly and understanding female kangaroo who looks after Dot and helps her find her way back home. While trekking across the bush Dot and the kangaroo meet a colorfully flaky and entertaining assortment of animals which include a singing frog quartet, playful mice, a miserable owl, a touchy, but wise platypus and his wife, dancing flamingos, helpful big-voiced birds, nasty dingoes, and the engagingly exuberant bird Willie Wagtail. All of these above cited encounters are quite fun and enjoyable, but for me nothing beats the special appearance of creepy local Aussie folkloric bogeyman figure the bunyip, a freaky, pasty white humanoid blob with brown spots who runs through the woods while other animals flee in mortal dread. Better yet, "The Bunyip Song" seriously smokes, with some incredibly awesome lyrics: "You better come home quickly/ And you better hide very soon/ For the bunyip's going to get you/ In the bunyip moon." The shots of the bunyip coming out of both fire and water are really hair-raising as well, implying that the bunyip is basically everywhere. Ooga booga, now that's scary stuff, man! Seriously, this is a truly terrific cartoon feature. It's quite sweet-natured and good-hearted, with nifty animation (the kangaroo in particular is positively cuddly and lovable), endearing characters, breathtaking scenery, beautiful photography, and a marvelous batch of infectiously catchy, sprightly and witty songs. As an added bonus there isn't even a faint trace of either cynicism or sarcasm to be found; in its place we have a winningly child-like and innocent sense of awe and wonder which in turn makes this movie extremely special and unforgettable. Moreover, there's also a smartly articulated message concerning loss and separation at the heart-breakingly sad and poignant conclusion. The closing sequence of the kangaroo hopping back into the bush after Dot is returned to her parents is genuinely haunting and touching. A radiantly sparkling and affecting little jewel.
Adorable little redhead girl Dot gets hopelessly lost in the Australian outback. Dot meets and befriends a nicely, loving, motherly and understanding female kangaroo who looks after Dot and helps her find her way back home. While trekking across the bush Dot and the kangaroo meet a colorfully flaky and entertaining assortment of animals which include a singing frog quartet, playful mice, a miserable owl, a touchy, but wise platypus and his wife, dancing flamingos, helpful big-voiced birds, nasty dingoes, and the engagingly exuberant bird Willie Wagtail. All of these above cited encounters are quite fun and enjoyable, but for me nothing beats the special appearance of creepy local Aussie folkloric bogeyman figure the bunyip, a freaky, pasty white humanoid blob with brown spots who runs through the woods while other animals flee in mortal dread. Better yet, "The Bunyip Song" seriously smokes, with some incredibly awesome lyrics: "You better come home quickly/ And you better hide very soon/ For the bunyip's going to get you/ In the bunyip moon." The shots of the bunyip coming out of both fire and water are really hair-raising as well, implying that the bunyip is basically everywhere. Ooga booga, now that's scary stuff, man! Seriously, this is a truly terrific cartoon feature. It's quite sweet-natured and good-hearted, with nifty animation (the kangaroo in particular is positively cuddly and lovable), endearing characters, breathtaking scenery, beautiful photography, and a marvelous batch of infectiously catchy, sprightly and witty songs. As an added bonus there isn't even a faint trace of either cynicism or sarcasm to be found; in its place we have a winningly child-like and innocent sense of awe and wonder which in turn makes this movie extremely special and unforgettable. Moreover, there's also a smartly articulated message concerning loss and separation at the heart-breakingly sad and poignant conclusion. The closing sequence of the kangaroo hopping back into the bush after Dot is returned to her parents is genuinely haunting and touching. A radiantly sparkling and affecting little jewel.
A Great Children's movie
brboyinla12 March 2001
I remember seeing this movie as a child on HBO. I keep looking for a copy to rent or buy. It is the delightful story of a young girl(animated) who gets lost in the Australian outback(Live footage).
She is befriended by a group of animals who help her through the outback to find her way back home. Along the way she learns a bit about the history of the outback. Filled with some catchy songs and a great story, this movie rates high among my favorite children's movies. If you and your child get a chance to see this I highly recommend it
She is befriended by a group of animals who help her through the outback to find her way back home. Along the way she learns a bit about the history of the outback. Filled with some catchy songs and a great story, this movie rates high among my favorite children's movies. If you and your child get a chance to see this I highly recommend it
I love Dot!
ja_kitty_719 October 2008
Except for the 1987 film "Dot goes to Hollywood," I remember very little about the "Dot" films from my childhood. I had recently ordered the DVD of this film, and after watching it a few times, I really love it out of the other "Dot" films, though I haven't seen some. And also, I love kangaroos.
Based on a children's book by Australian author Ethel C. Pedley, the film is about a girl named Dot who is lost in the Australian bushland after chasing a bilby (a hopping rat) into the woods and losing sight of her home. She is approached by a red kangaroo, who gives her a strange root to eat. Upon eating the root, Dot is able to understand the language of all animals, and she tells the kangaroo her plight. The kangaroo, who has lost her own joey, decides to help little Dot despite her own fear of humans. I am even thinking of reading the original Pedley book, though, as I said before, not many people today know of books like this one.
Overall, I love this film, and I love four out of the seven songs in the film, which are "In the Pouch," "All We Ever Do All Day Is Quack," and "The Platypus Song."
Based on a children's book by Australian author Ethel C. Pedley, the film is about a girl named Dot who is lost in the Australian bushland after chasing a bilby (a hopping rat) into the woods and losing sight of her home. She is approached by a red kangaroo, who gives her a strange root to eat. Upon eating the root, Dot is able to understand the language of all animals, and she tells the kangaroo her plight. The kangaroo, who has lost her own joey, decides to help little Dot despite her own fear of humans. I am even thinking of reading the original Pedley book, though, as I said before, not many people today know of books like this one.
Overall, I love this film, and I love four out of the seven songs in the film, which are "In the Pouch," "All We Ever Do All Day Is Quack," and "The Platypus Song."
Animated Australiana
dbf197916 March 2008
Australian cinema was in a vibrant state between the 1970's and the mid 1980's.....We had Mountain Men!, Disappearing Girls!, Apocalyptic Futures! and Crocodile Wrestling! We also had "Dot!"....A fun little tale about a lost girl, A Kangaroo and an Adventure In the Australian bush!...With Animation on a live action background, Which was cutting edge in 1977 and secured the movie as a children's favourite.
However, Looking back on this movie (After recently buying the boxset!), It's painfully obvious as too the age of it, As The Writing, The Animation, Music and Songs don't stand up well now....Though, It's the type of movie, Where it's good natured charm Overcomes it's obvious flaws.
It's certainly worth showing to children..Or adults for that matter?, As it's one of the far too few examples of good Feature length Australian Animation.
However, Looking back on this movie (After recently buying the boxset!), It's painfully obvious as too the age of it, As The Writing, The Animation, Music and Songs don't stand up well now....Though, It's the type of movie, Where it's good natured charm Overcomes it's obvious flaws.
It's certainly worth showing to children..Or adults for that matter?, As it's one of the far too few examples of good Feature length Australian Animation.
Fascination
thoughtfox15 November 2005
I can't remember the last time I saw this film, but I must've been 8 or 9. I saw it at a friend's house; they had HBO, but we didn't yet just yet. I remember freaking during the Bunyip scenes. It was weird, scary, and creepy. The song was cool though; I always liked the song...the singer had a low, soothing voice, which only made the Bunyip seem even scarier. I also like the mix of live action and animation; it was the first time I'd seen anything like that. Since I haven't seen the movie in more than...well, let's just say I'm not 20 anymore :o), I don't want to make a judgment as far as which animation is better done: Roger Rabbit or Dot and The Kangaroo. I think Dot... was a little less detailed when compared to Roger...so I'm going to say that Dot...is a better animated/live action film. I'm glad to know that there are others who feel the same way do about a a great film.
Dot's amazing adventures in Australia
KillerMontezuma22 September 2003
I totally agree. It was such a great adventure. Just the amazing idea of going around with different marsupials. I ALSO really got into Australian mammals in a big way as a kid because of this colourful set of films. Used to get up at 6 am to see this on the telly in Winter.
My ambition was to have those adventures, and through Dot anyone could.
That Bunyip, scary creature though!
My ambition was to have those adventures, and through Dot anyone could.
That Bunyip, scary creature though!
The Reason For My Fave Animal
NeoSiaMona25 November 2007
Thanks to this movie being shown to me when I was about three or four, my favorite animal of all time is now the kangaroo. This movie is the best, I watch it as often as I can, and it never gets old or boring. Of course, the Bunyip still freaks me out, even though the song that goes along with that scene is so cool! I remember telling my friends that "The Bunyip could easily beat the crap out of the Boogeyman plus the Monster Under The Bed and the Monster In The Closet!". My friends thought I was insane, and I plan on showing this movie to them. It won't have the same effect on them as it does me, but maybe they will become fans, too.
I have a VHS copy of Dot and the Kangaroo, Dot and the Bunny plus Dot and Santa Claus that I found at a used video store, and it still works perfectly! Sadly, the one I had taped off of HBO back in the 80s was lost during a move in the early 90s. I'm also planning on getting the Dot and the Kangaroo DVD Box Set, just to be able to see Dot and Keeto, Dot and the Whale, Dot and the Bunny, etc. again (though, I don't ever remember seeing Dot in Space).
I wish there was a soundtrack, or MP3s from this movie, but I've never found any. Oh well... I'm going to go watch it again. Beware the Bunyip! Love, Laura
I have a VHS copy of Dot and the Kangaroo, Dot and the Bunny plus Dot and Santa Claus that I found at a used video store, and it still works perfectly! Sadly, the one I had taped off of HBO back in the 80s was lost during a move in the early 90s. I'm also planning on getting the Dot and the Kangaroo DVD Box Set, just to be able to see Dot and Keeto, Dot and the Whale, Dot and the Bunny, etc. again (though, I don't ever remember seeing Dot in Space).
I wish there was a soundtrack, or MP3s from this movie, but I've never found any. Oh well... I'm going to go watch it again. Beware the Bunyip! Love, Laura
Creepy, but beautiful film.
saiyanhajime7 March 2008
As if the sounds and colours of the Australian bush aren't scary enough, the creepy rough animation over the old live action footage in the makes this one of those kids films that weird you out when you're not sure why.
I guess it's similar to Watership Down in it's beauty. As an adult watching, it's really quite a scary film, but when you're a child you simply don't pick up on what's so creepy about it.
I'm not sure that this film is worth watching unless you really love old, rough animated films of it's style. It's one of those movies that I watched all the time as a kid, and I still love it and get it out occasionally, but would someone who hadn't grown up with it understand? I'm not sure.
Dot is very annoying and her other adventures are simply crap (except, the gay mosquito in Dot and the Keeto still cracks me up.) I'm in love with the animation and sound of this film more than anything.
I guess it's similar to Watership Down in it's beauty. As an adult watching, it's really quite a scary film, but when you're a child you simply don't pick up on what's so creepy about it.
I'm not sure that this film is worth watching unless you really love old, rough animated films of it's style. It's one of those movies that I watched all the time as a kid, and I still love it and get it out occasionally, but would someone who hadn't grown up with it understand? I'm not sure.
Dot is very annoying and her other adventures are simply crap (except, the gay mosquito in Dot and the Keeto still cracks me up.) I'm in love with the animation and sound of this film more than anything.
beasts of the southeastern hemisphere wild
lee_eisenberg11 June 2015
Ethel Pedley wrote the Dot series as a criticism of the humans' impact on Australia's wildlife. And so, Yoram Gross adapted them to film. "Dot and the Kangaroo" has the girl lost in the woods and befriending a marsupial who lost her baby to humans. In the process, Dot comes to develop a better connection to nature.
I recommend the movie. It's got some interesting songs, and I like the mix of animation and live action. But mostly it reminds us that we can't separate ourselves from nature as much as we think. After all, you can't fight nature and win. I have a vague memory of seeing some of the Dot movies when I was little, but the characters were dubbed with American accents.
PS: One scene has the kangaroo mention a creature called the bunyip. We don't see the bunyip here, but a later movie in the series focused on smugglers who are after him, and we get to meet him.
I recommend the movie. It's got some interesting songs, and I like the mix of animation and live action. But mostly it reminds us that we can't separate ourselves from nature as much as we think. After all, you can't fight nature and win. I have a vague memory of seeing some of the Dot movies when I was little, but the characters were dubbed with American accents.
PS: One scene has the kangaroo mention a creature called the bunyip. We don't see the bunyip here, but a later movie in the series focused on smugglers who are after him, and we get to meet him.
not for emotional children
leogrl17331 August 2004
Oh my gosh this movie tops sad of all sad! All I remember of this movie was how traumatized I was as a child by it. Every time it was going to be on my family tried to keep me from seeing it but every once in a while I would catch a glimpse and make them let me watch it and then I would go into hysterics at the end. It would normally take about an hour and a half to settle me down, so I'm told, I would cry so hard that I would end up throwing up. I asked my friends, now in their mid twenties if they remembered this movie from childhood and they all said they did and they all remembered crying and such when they watched it as well. I can still remember poor dot screaming and crying for her kangaroo to come back to her after leaving her at her home and he never comes back! It was just horrible! Why would anyone make a movie so sad? geez!
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