Father Christmas, like The Snowman before it, was based on the books of Raymond Briggs; it also used the same 'hand-drawn and pencil-coloured' aesthetic. And those were smart moves to make: because this film is another perennial favourite for Christmas lovers everywhere. And I DO mean everywhere. This along with The Snowman are virtually synonymous with one another in terms of holiday replays and crossover appeal; it's just as gorgeous and as heartwarming as it's predecessor.
Father Christmas has all the hallmarks of a holiday favourite and its charm works without being preachy or superficially saccharine; everything here is just right, from Father Christmas himself, to the direction, the music, that CLASSIC all-British storybook charm to the animation, and the feel-good charm of the film that makes you feel SUPER; and homely at the same time. The love in this film is truly mighty.
Father Christmas is certainly a great addition to the Christmas film canon.
P. S. Watch the ORIGINAL version with Mel Smith as Father Christmas; the American dub is total SH! TE compared to it (and ruins the story by having too damn many edits to the film's 'troubling' content). You've been warned, dear reader.
Father Christmas has all the hallmarks of a holiday favourite and its charm works without being preachy or superficially saccharine; everything here is just right, from Father Christmas himself, to the direction, the music, that CLASSIC all-British storybook charm to the animation, and the feel-good charm of the film that makes you feel SUPER; and homely at the same time. The love in this film is truly mighty.
Father Christmas is certainly a great addition to the Christmas film canon.
P. S. Watch the ORIGINAL version with Mel Smith as Father Christmas; the American dub is total SH! TE compared to it (and ruins the story by having too damn many edits to the film's 'troubling' content). You've been warned, dear reader.