We’re slowly progressing through the 1940s, and life keeps getting more complicated for Disney. The animators’ strike tore the company apart in 1941, and World War II raged across Europe. When Bambi arrived in theaters in August 1942, it was a different world than Snow White‘s blockbuster release five years earlier. Disney also forged ahead into a new genre this time.
I’m pretty sure this is the first time that I’ve watched Bambi since I was a kid. We own the Blu-ray, and my girls have seen it, but it’s somehow eluded me. I remember the big moments, but much of the story has remained a blur. How will this animated classic hold up today? I’ve hesitated to return into this forest, and I’m unsure why.
This story is based on Bambi: a Life in the Woods, a 1923 Austrian novel by Felix Salten. It’s a popular animated film that remains well-known, yet it has very little presence in Disney’s theme parks. I suspect it would be harder to depict the more realistic tale at Disneyland, but I would have loved seeing Disney try. Regardless, let’s dive into the world of Bambi, Thumper, and Flower and see what I think!
A Serene Forest
After learning that “love is a song that never ends“, we dive into the story. In a beautiful forest, birds are chirping, rain is falling, and a waterfall flows peacefully. It’s the perfect day for a new prince! This world awakes in the morning and gets excited for the fawn to appear. It’s an uplifting moment that reminds me of The Lion King, though that sequence has more grandeur. Bambi arrives quietly into a strange world.
The early scenes present an exciting, attractive world for the young Bambi. He meets friends like Thumper and Flower, explores the forest, and struggles to walk at first. There are fun moments like a mole saying “nice, sunny day” and then immediately digging into the ground. It’s all very pleasant and genuine, and the animation is remarkable especially for 1942. On the other hand, it’s also a little boring.
It’s lazy for me to call Bambi dull, but I’ll admit that I was restless during the first half. The “April Showers” scene is gorgeous and a real achievement. It’s just some of the other moments around it that drag. In a similar vein to Fantasia, the artistry is amazing yet barely connects to a story. This quiet set-up does show what Man will destroy later. This idyllic place deserves better than destruction from an unseen villain.
Danger Is Lurking
The second act reveals danger lurking outside the safe haven of this forest. Bambi’s mother warns him about rushing out into the meadow, and his serious father remains on watch. The Great Prince of the Forest shows little warmth to his son and always seems on guard. He’s lived a long time and seen too much. After a stampede where Bambi gets separated, his mother reveals that Man was in the forest. That is not good.
The contrast between the beauty of nature and Man comes into focus in the winter scenes. Bambi falls on the ice (while Thumper predictably laughs), and Flower gets ready for sleep. Everything seems fine, and moments later tragedy strikes. I’d forgotten that Bambi’s mother dies so early. My mind had it happening during the climactic fire. Instead, she’s gone quickly with a few gunshots from unseen villains.
I’ve heard Bambi described as a horror film, and this moment supports that idea. It happens so quickly and during the light of day. When his father tells Bambi, “your mother can’t be with you anymore“, his wording makes it seem commonplace. We’re over halfway into the movie, and the childlike wonder of the fawn is gone. We quickly jump forward to Bambi and friends as teenagers looking for love and facing Man again.
The Destructive Power of Man
Before the villain returns, we see Thumper and Bambi meeting girls. The rabbit starts thumping his foot uncontrollably when he finds love. The gender dynamics of these scenes are really obvious, though you could read a lot into Thumper’s reaction. Bambi also reunites with Faline, who he’d played with as a young boy. They’re a happy couple, but first Bambi must fight the bully Ronno. It’s a surprising turn for a story where everyone seemed happy inside the forest, but it shows teen Bambi’s strength.
This excitement is short-lived with the return of Man, who arrive in larger numbers. This scenes are scary because there’s little that Bambi or anyone can do to stop the fires. Animals struggle to survive, and this isn’t an even playing field. The ultimate feeling is one of despair and hopelessness against a superior, callous foe.
All is not lost, however. Our conclusion comes full circle and shows the birth of twins for Bambi and Faline. He’s now the leader of the forest, and the young fawns start a new story. Man still lurks and will likely strike again, but the circle of life continues. Despite the slow start, the second half is gripping especially by the end. The heavy lifting from the early moments adds stakes to later scenes. Bambi is so different from other classics and remains one of Disney’s most original films.
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