Piuma, il piccolo orsetto polare

Very run-of-the-mill - something for the kids to watch on a rainy Sunday when there's nothing else on.

You get the feeling they weren't really trying very hard with the translation - something that seems common to almost all dubbed cartoons.

Storyline is derivative, and - OK it's a film about talking animals - but even so, suspension of disbelief is strained to breaking point at times.

Just to correct a review from earlier - he says "come back stupid ice floe", not "Come back stupid ass fool".

In a time of video-game based cartoons, "Der Kleine Eisbär" (The Little Polarbear) stands out as a pure and sweet movie for children which is, at the same time, exciting and not at all wishy-washy.

The basis of the story is the small bear's relationship with another young animal, a walrus. The two become close friends, to the chagrin of their elders. The two societies do not mix (while it never directly says so, it is, of course, known that polar bears prey on walruses). Therefore, the elders decide to allow the two youngsters to continue to play in exchange for a tithe of fish.

There is no violence in the film, and yet it raises thoughts and questions about justice and tolerance of others. Also, the movie is based on one story of many from a Dutch author, so it allows children to continue the adventures of the little polar bear through the books.

This is a very fine movie for children. No violence. A few exciting scenes, bit breathtaking, but relief is quick to follow. This means that small children can watch it over and over again, with great pleasure.

I found the Little Polar Bear a cute and charming animated tale, that teaches the values of friendship and accepting others. The animation is mostly beautiful with imaginative Antarctic landscapes, and a colourful portrayal of The South. I also loved the soundtrack sung by No Angels, and the sweeping incidental music beautifully played by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The central characters, Lars and Robbie are very likable and sweet, their friendship adding to the film's appeal. The three "villainous" polar bears are quite nasty, and I will say all the characters are well voiced. I have two complaints, one being Caruso, while he is well animated and provides some of the humour, the humour got a bit too much, particularly over serious scenes. The film is also too short, so the secondary characters could have been developed more, had it been 5-10 minutes longer. Despite these complaints, I found it very charming, and I would definitely watch it again. 8/10 Bethany Cox.

If you are looking for something safe to watch for 3-7 year olds, you have found your movie. Der kleine Eisbär is about as innocent as you can be. Action is quickly followed by moments of rest (some of the best scenes are actually of the bears swimming around the Arctic ocean to absolutely dreamy music). And there is no overt violence. This movie does not exactly show model family relationships with parents who are wimpy and ill discerning and a son who basically deliberately disobeys them. Aside from that, there are subtle messages of interracial tolerance and cooperation scattered throughout, but ultimately the film is a journey experience. The problem is that it is not all that fun to watch except for young children. Curious George (another film made primarily for smaller children) left you grinning from ear to ear during the whole film, despite its many plot holes. Der kleine Eisbär will pretty much leave parents feeling, "Well, at least my kid really likes it." It is too disjointed a movie with payoffs that are too modest to be of much interest to anyone without kids. But, still, if you want a kids' movie...then buy Curious George...and then buy this one if you have some money leftover. ;o)