Babe (1995)

Directed by: Chris Noonan | 89 minutes | drama, family, comedy, adventure, fantasy | Actors: Christine Cavanaugh, Miriam Margolyes, James Cromwell, Danny Mann, Hugo Weaving, Miriam Flynn, Russi Taylor, Evelyn Krape, Michael Edward-Stevens, Charles Bartlett, Paul Livingston, Roscoe Lee Browne, Magda Szubanski, Zoe Burton, Paul Goddard, Wade Hayward, Brittany Byrnes, Mary Acres

Ah, the story of the extraordinary piglet who wanted nothing more than to be a sheepdog…who doesn’t know ‘Babe’? This is one of those films that appeals to young and old, and with James Cromwell in perhaps his most sympathetic role ever as taciturn farmer Arthur Hogget. The actor from ‘LA Confidential’ (1997) and ‘The Sum of All Fears’ (2002) was already a vegetarian, but he became a vegan after making the animal film ‘Babe’. Cromwell has very little text in this film but his facial expressions and his silence speak all the more. Magda Szubanski plays cheerful farmer Esme Hogget. But of course it’s all about the animals and the piglet ‘the underdog’ in particular. The film is based on the book ‘The Sheep Pig’ by Dick King-Smith.

For the talking pig, the makers used 48 real Yorkshire piglets (because piglets grow so fast) and one robot with a toupee and eyelashes from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. The talking muzzle is done with the computer, the innocent voice is recorded by Christine Cavanaugh. The result is impressive, it all looks very convincing. Especially the scenes with several talking animals are very well done, the difference between real and CGI is not visible. In 1996, the film won the Oscar for Best Effects, Visual Effects and six other nominations, including one for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Cromwell.

Farmer Arthur Hogget wins Babe at a carnival. Babe is initially a candidate for the Hoggets’ Christmas menu. Fly, a female sheepdog, takes care of the cute piggy and raises him as one of her puppies. Because of this, Babe also tries to behave like a sheepdog. This is to the reluctance of Rex the male sheepdog (voiced by Hugo Weaving of the ‘Matrix’ trilogy) who believes that every animal has its place and must abide by it. Luckily, Babe has a companion in Ferdinand, as he is a duck eager to be a rooster. Despite all the resistance Babe manages to keep herself standing and farmer Hogget also begins to see that Babe is a very special piglet. Everything will depend on a sheepherding dog competition…

Life seems ideal at Hogget Farm whose exact location is not mentioned. This can actually be anywhere where English is spoken. But that’s not the point at all. After all, it is not about the people, everything is viewed from the perspective of the animals and especially through the eyes of the innocent piglet. ‘Babe’ effortlessly transcends the standard children’s film. The first film was followed by ‘Babe: Pig in the City’ (1998) in which the piglet experiences adventures in the city, but the first part is better. This film is original, sincere with a lot of humor and morals, without patronizing adult viewers. ‘Babe’ has many layers and beautiful music, but above all it is just a beautiful story about perseverance, courage and finding your place in the world. There is a narrator but the chapters of the story are sung together by singing mice who introduce each chapter with their shrill voices. They are just great! The songs are sure to stick in your head for a while: “If I had words to make a day for you, I’d sing you the morning golden and new.”