Directed by Suzie Templeton
Produced by Magnolia (2008)
33 Minutes
Viewing level: all ages
ASIN: B004D20JP2
Directed by Suzie Templeton, this short film depicts the classic tale of Peter and the Wolf. Bullied and alone, Peter one day leaves his house and comes face to face with a dangerous wolf. Peter's only friends are animals, so when the wolf eats Peter's pet duck (who you may be able to hear lightly quacking from inside the wolf's belly), the brave young boy seeks revenge. After a series of complicated and perilous maneuvers, Peter is finally able to capture the wolf. Peter and his grandfather go to the village square to proudly display the captured creature, but right before the wolf is killed, Peter abruptly sets him free.
While the plot definitely has some tense moments, the bleak surroundings and dark subject matter are contrasted with quirky humor and silly interactions with the animals. The film has no dialogue, which may not be as exciting for some kids, but the sound editing and visuals are absolutely mesmerizing. I particularly enjoyed the scenes with the bird, who is inexplicably unable to fly and therefore tries various "shortcuts" to flight. For example, at one point, the bird ties a balloon around its waist in attempt to fly, but the balloon isn't quite buoyant enough, so the pitiful but determined bird ends up awkwardly flapping around with a balloon tied to its waist for the majority of the film. It's adorable and hilarious.
These lighthearted scenes offer a break from the wolf's tension, but ultimately, Peter seems to understand that humans have been predator to the wolf just as the wolf has been predator to the animals. And since there's no narration to explain Peter's motives, one can assume that Peter became sympathetic toward the wolf, finally understanding the wolf's perspective and instincts. You could even use the film as a teaching opportunity for topics like redemption, forgiveness, and compassion. Either way, the film offers half an hour of entertainment, stunning visuals, a bright soundtrack, and a moving tale of friendship, bravery, humor, and mercy
Peter and the Wolf was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Nominated Short Film in 2008 and can be streamed free through Netflix and Amazon.
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