Really like to love all the animated festive adaptations of Julia Donaldson's books. It is not hard to see why they are popular stories and how they lend themselves beautifully to animation first aired in the Christmas break. They are perfect for the whole family, kids and adults alike, when that is done well animated and not it is a winner or at least close to it. 'The Snail and the Whale' is a lovely story with very lovable characters and an adorable relationship between the two titular characters.
It is very lovingly adapted here, true in detail and spirit to the source material with all its impact and it is a delight on its own terms. You won't need to have read the story or be familiar with it to love this, for me this was a standout of festive period television this year and if it didn't have high viewing figures it would be a shame as it is far better than a good deal of programmes this year that were hyped more and aired at times people are possibly more likely to be watching their televisions.
'The Snail and the Whale' is animated gorgeously, those vibrant colours, vivid attention to background detail (actually the attention to detail everywhere in the animation is remarkable) and cute but not too cutesy character designs made it a visual feast. The music is filled with whimsy and matches the images in perfect harmony, not overbearing them and not being at odds with them.
Writing, in rhyme, has plenty for children and adults alike. Children will never find it hard to understand and adults won't, or at least shouldn't, find it childish. The environmental message didn't come over as preachy to me and is still of great relevance now, neither is it out of date or convoluted. The story is charming and touching throughout, with an ending that warms the heart and brings a lump to the throat, and the brief jeopardy 'The Whale and the Snail' has with the snarks never gets too scary.
Both the titular characters are immensely likeable, with the viewer always fully engaged with them, and their bond is adorable and gels remarkably well for quite an odd couple when it comes to animals. Diana Rigg's narration is pitch-perfect, understated yet wholly invested in the story's emotion.
Summing up, wonderful. 10/10
