Sacré Père Noël

"Father Christmas" is an unconventional Christmas cartoon. Why? Because it shows Santa in many ways you wouldn't expect...plus there is no Mrs. Claus, no elves and only two reindeer! But despite this, it is charming and well worth seeing.

The story begins just after Christmas and Santa is in need of a vacation...so he heads to France, Scotland and, finally, Las Vegas. But someone always recognizes him, so he returns home to prepare for the upcoming Christmas.

The artwork in this film is simply lovely...which isn't surprising since it was made by some of the same folks who made "The Snowman"...a gorgeously animated film from 1982. In fact, this same snowman makes an appearance near the end!

As for the story, it's odd to see a VERY folksy British version of Santa...but it's still sweet and cute and well worth seeing. I tend to be a tad cynical about Christmas films, but I thought this one and "The Snowman" are just lovely family films.

A well written and voiced over rendition of this story! Enjoy!

Much better than another voice over that I saw...the voice over makes this soooooo good!

The actors added so much flavour to this edition of the story...one must compare to hear precisely how much better this version is!

An incomparable story for the Christmas season; I watch it every year!

I really do not know how to make this version better. It has human - andimal relationships. Santa butt shots. Irreverent homour related to an old story.

Bloomin' genius!

This version of Raymond Brigg's Father Christmas is a Butchered Americanized version. Narrated by an American actor, this version looses all the charm of the English version voiced by Mel Smith, the Original Father Christmas! This is NOT that version! This is a censored chopped version that just doesn't translate well over to American audiences.

In Father Christmas, Santa is not the Politically Correct Santa that prudish Americans would like you to see. He is a cantankerous Santa whom complains, and grumbles all the while that he is doing things. So much so, that he takes a vacation to Scotland, where he drinks at a Pub/bar. Vegas, were he gambles and smokes around bikini clad women. This Santa is shown as a normal person. At a couple times, they even show his butt, to which my God daughters think is the most hilarious thing. It gives a very strong impression that he is a real person. The American version is trying for that rankin/bass whimsical Christmas thing, but it just doesn't work with English Humor. Even the Finally song sung by the American actor shows a more benevolent, Richard Attenburough figure. The Elf-boss (Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer) is more cantankerous than the actor in this one. The original is more like an annoyed Bob Hoskins.

If you can, look for the F.H.E version of this movie online on Ebay. It's well worth it and extremely entertaining for both children and adults. It's no worse than the Grinch (Jim Carey version). Children won't notice some of the slightly more adult scenes that show only long enough for adults to register it. English humor abounds in this version.

To aid you in the search for the original are two ASIN numbers below:

English version number: ASIN: B000006672 Great Version!!!

Americanized Version Number: ASIN: 0767800400 Butchered!!!

I absolutely loved Father Christmas when I was a kid, and I still love it now. It is something I watch as a tradition every Christmas, along with the Snowman and the Tailor of Gloucester. I do not it is quite as good as the Snowman, which is for me a genuine Christmas treasure. And let me tell you, this is just superb. The animation is very fine, smooth and sophisticated-looking, and the music is beautiful. What I loved most though about Father Christmas was its humour. A vast majority of it is uproariously funny, namely anything Father Christmas says. Not only that, but kids and adults can understand it. Another winner was the portrayal of Father Christmas himself, voiced with real enthusiasm by comedian Mel Smith. While he is in some ways benevolent, Father Christmas is also gruff and rather humorous, particularly the use of "bloomin'" before every word or so he says. There are some truly memorable parts to this Christmas masterpiece, namely the Snowman party where the two main characters from the Snowman make an appearance, the running to and fro from the lavatory and when Father Christmas is delivering the presents. The parts where he is taking a vacation are pretty funny as well. The story is clever and original, and I think interesting as well. In short, Father Christmas is magical. If you love the Snowman, you will absolutely love this. It should be part of your Christmas tradition if not so already. 10/10 Bethany Cox

This is another animated film from Raymond Briggs, showing the life of 'Father Christmas'. It is almost as full of magic as 'The Snowman' (another classic), but not quite.

There are some people (my sister included) who do not like this film, as it shows Santa to be a fairly normal man, a grumpy man. But to me, it is this that makes the film even more fun. It's nice to think of Santa in this way, and I for one, love it.

The film also ties in well with 'The Snowman' and features the snowman party, where the young boy meets Father Christmas. Overall I would recommend this film to anyone, although it may not be quite to everyone's taste, I give it 9/10.