Sacré Père Noël

Watching Father Christmas is a tradition for my brother and I, we also watch it before Christmas Day, ever since we were young kids. It is a sweet natured cartoon based on a illustrated book by Raymond Briggs.

This version of Father Christmas lives in an English suburb, in a ordinary terrace house with his pet dog and cat, and of course his reindeers. He is kind hearted, but grumpy, who moans about the image his has. He has to focus on daily chorus that are related to Christmas. He decides to spend his time for once on holiday, going to France, Scotland and Las Vegas, before having to get everything ready for Christmas.

The animation is simple, and old fashioned and wonderful to watch. There is good designs and art direction throughout and the style is very close to the book. The plot is different to the traditional Father Christmas story where he is a not a jolly man living at the North Pole with a lot of elves, but a old man living a normal live, except on Christmas Eve. The story itself is simple and sweet natured, perfect for children, young and old. There is good comedy, some physical, but mostly based on Father Christmas' attitude and view of live. Mel Smith voice was perfect for this version of the legend.

One of the best Christmas based films.

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!!!

One of films keeping the spirit of Christmas in high manner. Beautiful, amusing, seductive and..perfect. Because it is more than an inspired adaptation but a pure and generous lovely gem of animation.

"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.

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