"What happens to snowmen when they melt? How sad are they? How sad are the children? But it does not have to be so... It's during the full moon night that the story of BOULI begins. So that the children of the world will never be sad, the Moon, that fantastic magician intervenes secretly and gives a second life to Bouli, his family and friends" says the cartoon advertisement.
Whenever I hear of the cartoons and come across many different animation adventures that kids are watching now, my memories come to three main titles of my childhood: DIE BIENE MAJA , THE DOGTANIAN and BOULI. While the two first ones have probably been more famous till now, BOULI is a cartoon that not so many people know. The reason for this is that Poland was one of very few countries where the French-Canadian cartoon was dubbed. In the English speaking countries, it was widely popular only in Ireland. And what a pity!
These are 114 episodes (78 five - minute and 36 seven-minute ones) about an adorable little snowman who lives in a picturesque village hidden in the woods with his relatives and friends - all snowmen. The main idea of Bouli's life is to be good to others, to help them, to smile and to involve them in a variety of activities and adventures, including sea voyages, skiing, skating, cooking, playing music, etc. Bouli as well as all his friends are wonderful and easily identifiable characters for children: the Sailor, the Footballer, the Tennis Player, the Trader, the Cook and two closest to Bouli: Bouli girl whom he loves and a big bear who sleeps, snores and eats cakes. Moreover, the 114 adventures are so memorably presented that each one is really innovative and very interesting. The color techniques are probably not the first rate like in modernest cartoons but they lack nothing to be enjoyed by kids. Moreover, the title song is absolutely perfect and very melodious.
Since I own a video cassette of BOULI, I recently came back to it and put it on for my pupils. There were more than 30 pupils at the age ranging from 7 to 10. The reaction was beyond my expectations. They loved it! No one simply knew that it was also my personal journey to the childhood years but all kids were overwhelmed by the charm of the snowman. I am sure that the same reaction will be with your kids. BOULI is not something they will be scared of, that may harm their psyche through violence or inaccurate storytelling, but a nice little snowman with a pack of friends who tell your kid: "Hi, we are here to make you cheerful, calm and creative in your games"
Not only personally sentimental childhood memory but an entertainment for today's kids around the world. A must on DVD 8/10
