Redwall

The original Redwall animated series distinguished itself as one of Nelvana's finest series with a magnificent adaption of Brian Jacques' first book.

Now this series does Jacques' third book even more justice. If anything, this series depicts more drama, starker perils, and a higher standard of artistic excellence for the company to follow. Correspondingly, the series has more violence which is handled with a care which enhances the story rather than distracting from it.

If you get an opportunity to see this series, don't pass up the chance to see just how good Canadian television cell animation can be!

Redwall, based on the children's adventure novel by Brian Jacques, is set in an amazing fantasy world populated by animals. Its heroes, Matthias the mouse, Basil the hare, and Cornflower the mouse maiden, must save their abbey from the evil hordes of Cluny the Scourge, a villainous rat backed by a huge army. The plot is flowing and detailed, with Matthias' search for the sword of the legendary Martin the Warrior, political intrigue and backstabbing amongst Cluny's henchrats, and a vicious serpent that terrorizes the forest surrounding the abbey. This adder, called Asmodeus, eats creatures from both sides of the conflict, and Matthias' batte with the monster is reminiscent of timeless tales of knights slaying dragons. This epic series is highly recommended.

"Redwall" is quickly becoming one of the best animated series on television today. The series consistently well-written and nicely animated. The vocal work is also well done. Very few animated programs have been as involving, mature and intelligent as "Redwall."

"Redwall" is more proof that there is some great animated programs coming out of Canada nowadays.

I had never heard of Redwall nor seen it, so I gave it a go and had fun watching it.

It had a special atmosphere to it with its medieval setting filled with incidental music reminiscent of folk music from the English middle ages which helped it in creating its own identity. The little details in how many of the characters have biblical names, at least in the first season, was a clever touch since it all revolves around this abbey called Redwal.

The seasons are each based on novels in the Redwall series by Brian Jacques, and while it stays true to the source material, not all three seasons are equally strong. But that aside, it keeps a mature tone and may scare younger children, but has no graphic violence to it. The second season, Mattimeo, has the most weight to it in my opinion, because of the magnificent contribution by Tim Curry as the dispicable main villain Slagar. That season kept me in the front of my seat because of him and the interplay between the heroes and the villains in a story of courage, survival and trust. But I must adress one thing that bucked me a little: the order of the seasons seems a little odd, and you'll discover when you get to season three.

The animation was really good with its detailed backgrounds and warm colour palette even though it was inconsistent with the character designs, because their shading often disappeared making them look flat. That's the only thing on the animation.

Recomendable to all who likes the medieval setting with sword fights and all that stuff.

I first saw the Redwall TV series when i was 13, and i have longed for more ever since. When i saw the movie, i was inspired. It manages to take parts from the series and edit them into one movie without deterring the plot or characters. I cheered for Matthais, chuckled at Basil Stag Hare(and Cluny) and was overall pleased by the quality of animation and music. Is the movie perfect? No, But it's not trying to be. The producers did a good job of sticking close to the books while making it more viewer friendly for youngsters as well as adults. In the end it made me want to make a new movie with similar animation and music, but the same values the movie stresses: Courage, Love, Loyalty. But if it never happens, i'll be glad that Brian Jacques allowed us Redwall fans a brief movie experience that inspires and teaches.