The Gruffalo’s Child – The Gruffalo’s Child (2011)

Directed by: Uwe Heidschötter, Johannes Weiland | 27 minutes | animation, family, short film | Original voice cast: Helena Bonham Carter, Shirley Henderson, Robbie Coltrane, Rob Brydon, John Hurt, Tom Wilkinson, James Corden, Phoebe Givron-Taylor, Sam Lewis

In a cartoon era where 3D and the detail-packed Studio Pixar animation predominate, ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ (2011) is a real breath of fresh air. The successor to ‘De Gruffalo’ (from 2009 by directors Max Lang and Jakob Schuh) stands out because of its simple characters, beautiful use of color and neat finish. Tranquility, cleanliness and regularity seem to apply especially to this short animation film. Or is it ‘rhyme’? Because all lyrics are spoken in rhyme. But in every other area, the two new directors Uwe Heidschötter (known for his work for ‘Back to Gaya’, 2004) and Johannes Weiland have not deviated much from the success formula of ‘De Gruffalo’. Once again, the simple style that characterizes the world-famous picture books by Julia Donaldson (text) and Axel Scheffler (drawings) is maintained. The leading animals are all drawn a bit off balance, just not quite in line with the animals they are supposed to represent, but that makes it all the more fun to watch.

While in ‘The Gruffalo’ it was a little mouse who warns the other animals about a horrible monster, in ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ the roles are reversed. This time it is the monster himself, the Gruffalo, who warns Gruffalo Jr. about The Great Dangerous Mouse. With its scaly tail, its fiery eyes, its large snout and its wire whiskers. So, this is how the Gruffalo (the voice of Robbie Coltrane, Hagrid from the ‘Harry Potter’ series) imprints his smaller version: NOT just into the big, dark forest! But, when Papa Gruffalo is fast asleep, little Gruffalo can’t contain her curiosity. She goes secretly on her way and crosses paths with many animals, except that of the Great Dangerous Mouse. Could this animal really exist?

The voice cast includes such luminaries as Helena Bonham Carter (as narrator Mama Squirrel), stand up comedian Rob Brydon (as the Serpent), veteran actors John Hurt (as the Owl) and Tom Wilkinson (as the Fox) as well as Shirley Henderson (as the Child from the Gruffalo) and James Corden from the award-winning BBC comedy ‘Gavin & Stacey’ (as the Mouse). ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ was nominated for an Oscar and a BAFTA in the best animated short film category.

‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ is a universal, charming and heartwarming story suitable for young and old. A gem of simplicity. To be enjoyed again and again, especially in the winter months for a wonderfully crackling open fire. Short, but VERY powerful!