A mute boy and a calf with the ability to speak form a deep friendship, learning what it means to love and sacrifice for another.A mute boy and a calf with the ability to speak form a deep friendship, learning what it means to love and sacrifice for another.A mute boy and a calf with the ability to speak form a deep friendship, learning what it means to love and sacrifice for another.
- Awards
- 2 nominations total
- Adult Billy
- (voice)
- …
- Ears
- (voice)
- Grandpa Baker
- (voice)
- Mr. Gus Holder
- (voice)
- Scarlett
- (voice)
- Aunt Agnes
- (voice)
- Emily
- (voice)
- Buster
- (voice)
- Bucky
- (voice)
- Star
- (voice)
- Lawyer
- (voice)
- …
- Slim
- (voice)
- Brewster
- (voice)
- Hens
- (voice)
- Hens
- (voice)
- Santa
- (voice)
- Annabelle
- (voice)
Featured reviews
I watched this with my first daughter in 1999 when she was 3 and she loved it and watched it over and over. It was such a lovely film and the music just makes it perfect.
She now has 3 little girls of her own and when I sent her a clip she remembered it straight away and the music brought back all the lovely memories. Now they enjoy it too. Why is it not better known? . I never get bored of watching it and it makes me feel warm, fuzzy, nostalgic and very festive.
I'm 52 now and think I'll have to watch it again to get the Christmas feels 🎄 😊
I recommend this for children who would like to watch a quick, pleasurable film, not JUST about Christmas, it's also for people who like animals, especially farm animals, people who still don't prefer computer to cartoon animation and a film with unforgettable characters, one or two lovely songs and a good storyline! PANT PANT. BOY was that a long sentence to explain why you should watch this film! :)
So, what are you waiting for? If you haven't had the chance, buy it or rent it from Amazon or the nearest shop and watch it! If you don't like it, you could lend it to a friend! ENJOY!! :)
P.S This is a very emotional film and for people who feel emotional, I suggest a few hankies provided, especially at the end.
Every year on Christmas, Santa throws magic dust onto animals. This dust gives the animals the ability to speak to humans for 3 days, but the animals are expressly forbidden to speak to any humans during that time. Why would he do this? Just to have a brief conversation with animals once a year? Why would he allow them to speak for 3 days, is that just the smallest amount of dust he could use? The animals can already communicate with each other fine. This isn't a gift; it is a curse. Being given a gift whose only purpose is prohibited from being used...that is torture.
Going on with the premise, the villain, Aunt Agnes, wants Billy to live with her instead of his uncle. She wants Billy to live with her because... she thinks he would make Christmas more fun.
There are other villains who are just bullies. Bullies who love to make fun of mute children. There isn't anything more to their characters, they are just the worst kids.
Oh, and Annabelle is a cow that wants to be one of Santa's reindeer. The payoff for that has an additional twist that makes no sense, but since this world makes no sense, I guess it works.
The rest of the movie is very by the numbers straight to video animated kids' movie. The voice acting is all good and the animation is fine. I'm an easy mark for this animation style. And I am a sucker for some of these Christmas clichés.
Not a perfect Christmas, but also not a complete barn fire.
Did you know
- TriviaRandy Travis voices the adult Billy, the narrator, who as a child can't speak. In 2013, Travis suffered a stroke and was unable to speak, and was just barely able to communicate until 2016.
- Quotes
Aunt Agnes: [after Billy and Annabelle meets for the first time outside and begin to play, Agnes joins Grandpa's side] You gave him a cow for Christmas?
Grandpa Baker: No, it was Santa Claus.
Aunt Agnes: You're teaching the boy to believe in that fantasy?
Grandpa Baker: Ain't nothin' wrong with a little believin', after what he's been through.
Aunt Agnes: Exactly! This dreadful barn is a constant reminder of that horrible fire. This barn just isn't safe, let alone for a boy who can't talk!
- SoundtracksIf You Believe
Written by Steve Dorff, John Bettis and Nancy Masters (simply attributed as by)
Performed by Kevin Sharp
Kevin Sharp appears courtesy of Asylum Records
Santa's version performed by Michael McGinnis
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Annabelle, Un amour de petite Vache
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro