Once Upon a Forest [G]

In the forest of Dapplewood, there lives a variety of different animals working together and living in harmony with each other. But when a truck has an accident and begins to leak a deadly gas into the forest, the wood and its inhabitants are under threat. With their friend Michelle seriously ill from the toxic fumes, it’s up to Abigail, Russell, and Edgar to travel to the nearest meadow and bring back herbs to restore Michelle to health. But can they stop their arguing long enough to get there and back again in time? 

This is a film that I remember from my childhood and, as we all know, I am a complete sucker for kids’ films so, when I found this one on DVD, I could not help but grab a copy to have forever. Although not even close to scaling the lofty heights that are Disney movies, Once Upon a Forest is a lovely animated classic that strongly conveys the message about the destructive influence of man. 

In the forest of Dapplewood, there lives a variety of animals all living in harmony with each other. But when a truck has a road accident, crashes, and then begins to leak a deadly gas in to the forest, the wood and its inhabitants are threatened. Not realising what’s going on, a group of Furlings: Abigail the mouse, Russell the hedgehog, Edgar the mole, and Michelle the badger rush home, eager to see their parents after a day of learning. When Michelle becomes desperately ill from the toxic fumes, it’s up to Abigail, Edgar and Russell to travel to the nearest meadow and bring back herbs that might restore her to health. But can the three put aside their differences and stop their squabbling long enough to get there and back again in time? 

It seems that in the early nineties, there was something trendy about making animated features that conveyed the force of destruction that is mankind. Some sort of eco-fad you might say. 

This film and FernGully the Last Rainforest were amongst my favourite films of that time. Along the lines of the Disney films, which will ever remail the favourites, this film uses crisp animation and catchy songs to move the story along as well as keep the audience's attention. I have to say that I particularly like the flock of Gospel birds that feature for a time. That scene and that song is my absolute favourite! HALLELUJAH. 

Featuring the voice talents of Michael Crawford, Ellen Blain, Ben Gregory, Paige Gosney, Elizabeth Moss, and Ben Vereen, Once Upon a Forest is a classic animated movie that’s filled with charm, suspense, bravery, cooperation, and cute little critters. A lovely little kids’ film.