La Première neige de Noël

A beautiful friendship story, seductive for the fair way to remind basic, fundamental truths. A little duck, a problem to fly with family at the end of fall, the support of a water vole and the greed of a fox, beautiful colors and inspired voices and the so expected end. Short, seductive in profound sense.

The First Snow Of Winter (1998) -

I have been watching this cartoon at Christmas pretty much every year since it was first shown on TV and I have to say how shocked I am that it has never re-appeared on terrestrial television in those 24 years. Thank God for DVDs.

It was the cutest story, with some laugh out loud, pee your pants moments and perfect for adults and children alike.

I believe this was the last project that 'Father Ted's' (1995-8), Dermot Morgan took part in and he was great as Voley. It was such a shame to lose him so young and I think a lot of people probably miss his wicked sense of humour, which was delivered so well in this cartoon short. I always look forward to seeing him get lost with Dougal (Ardal O'Hanlon) in Ireland's largest lingerie section before the festive season is over (Father Ted Christmas Special 1996 - A Christmassy Ted - Series 2/Episode 11), although that's not really relevant for a review of what was essentially a children's cartoon.

The rest of the cast all did a fantastic job too and the animation was akin to that of 'The Snowman' (1982), Etc, back in the good old days when people used to draw things with actual pencils and paper.

If you've never seen this cute little tale, or even if you have, I suggest you watch it and find the fun for yourselves.

It was superbly funny and sweet with hints of darkness and some sadness, but in a way that always leaves me feeling heart warmed.

901.38/1000.

This animated story about Sean McDuck is well written and well made. The drawings are sweet and lively, especially the Irish dancing part. A must see for all ages.

I thought Voley, a vole, was drawn too big for a vole until I saw a site about a species (Arvicola terrestris) that is about the right size (bigger then a cat) and lives in England.

About the film, I liked the animation, story line, direction, and voice acting (especialy the accents!) and will serve as an inspiration for my future media projects (animation, childrens books/video, nature filmmaking, web design)

I can't praise this little short film enough. It is sweet, heart warming and charming, and teaches good messages about friendship, survival and danger. The animation is cute and lively, with lovely colours and backgrounds and the character animation is top notch. I loved the music score too, it has an Irish lilt to it and it worked wonders. The story is a simple but heart warming one, the scripting is surprisingly mature and the characters especially Sean and Puffy are adorable. Also superb is the voice acting, with Miriam Margoyles superb as Sean and Dermot Morgan terrific as wise old Voley. Kate Sachs brings vulnerability also to the character of Puffy. I loved "The First Snow of Winter" from beginning to end, it is a lovely, simple, timeless story that the whole family can cherish. 10/10 Bethany Cox