Childhood imagination has never appeared so clearly
A young boy builds a snowman on the verge of Christmas and late one night, the snowman takes him on a journey.

If we are very lucky, then it will snow. It may not be at Christmas but the magical effect snow has on us never fails to cheer us up and it creates and brings back memories.

This charming Raymond Briggs tale tells the story of a boy who builds a snowman on the eve of Christmas and the pair go on a trip around the country and the world.

The simple concept of building snowmen is something that anyone of any age can enjoy but this animation short is all about James' imagination.

Christmas is the best time of the year for any child for the imagination it conjures which is justified in this fantastic film.

Santa, reindeers and the mystery of presents is something any child anticipates and they are able to appreciate the delicacy of imagination.

Any viewer will utter a gasp when we first see the snowman has come alive and from there we are treated to a truly magical festive tale of imagination and exploration as the snowman and the young boy share time together.

This festive cracker looks at differences in life styles. We see the snowman adapting to the human's life by examining all their household items such as clothes, freezers and a joyous motorbike. Then we see James exploring the life of the snowman when he visits the North Pole where Father Christmas and many other snowmen are gathered in festive celebration. These differences are quite remarkable, almost material against personal possession which gives the film a sentimental depth.

This 1982 animation is remembered for one of the saddest moments in festive cinema history and the flinching moment never goes away no matter how many views it takes. 27 years on and it is still as significant as it was, a timeless piece of film.

The fact that there is no dialogue through out the half an hour makes it unique and special. It communicates through the movement and actions of its characters, particularly James who is now an iconic character.

His character continues to be debated today. Lonely? Friendless? Imaginative? All possibilities and the fact that the film finishes so dramatically, it leaves plenty of questions unanswered which are a joy to work out.

This festive film is a timeless classic through its semiotic imagery and its wonderful depictive version of childhood Christmas.

10/10

A Fine Classic I Re-Visit Every Year
The Snowman is the charming story of a young boy who finds a friend in a snow man, and visits his homeland. The animation is all done by hand, and is in a sketch style, and is very enjoyable, with vibrant colours and beautiful music accompanying the tale. The whole thing has no dialogue or narrative, and actually works well without. There is also the iconic "Walking In The Air" as the young boy flies with the snowman, heading north.

This is one of Raymond Brigg's best work, the animation stunning, the music forthright and the action still very exciting, and I have seen in nearly every year since 1990, and has great sentimental moments. I think it's quite enchanting how the boy finds a friend - as he seems to be rather lonely and just wants some fun. The story can still bring a tear to the eye - but it also can be quite joyful and make you feel happy and excited.

My favourite moment is when he's dancing with the other snowmen and women, it's just an iconic moment.

Shame there's not more animation like this - this is pure gold and worth every penny.

A true classic
Like the title of this review says, this film is a true classic. It tells the story of a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life at midnight. This film is the only film I have ever seen that is funny, magical and sad at the same time. It is also the first one that I have seen that had no dialogue in, but watching it now, I think that the filmmakers were right not to put any in. Having said that, I am SO GLAD that the enchanting song "Walking in the air" is in it. I am also glad that it is hand-drawn, not computer animated. I know that, if you look at the film very closely, there are small errors, but, because they don't have any effect on the story, they really don't matter.
If this film is not part of your collection of videos or DVDs, you don't know what you're missing out on, and I urge you to buy it TODAY.


So beautifull, it is a classic forever!
Iv never failed to watch this film every Christmas since I was three. Im twenty-three now and it still enthrols me. I cry watching it every Christmas because it always reminds me of a little girl who loved watching this film on her daddy's lap on Christmas day and it still gives me the warm magical feeling like im a little girl again. I can't wait to pass this film on to my children in the future!

a classic that never gets old
this is one of those films that no matter how busy you are in the middle of the Christmas rush, if it comes on TV you will stop everything and sit down to watch it. Buy it and bring a little Christmas magic to your children. My dream evening of animated classics indulgence would be watching this film and Suzie Templeton's more recent but equally magical Peter & the Wolf.

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