Babe (1995) (Movie Review)

  When it comes to popular, family friendly, animal themed pictures, there’s plenty classics including “Old Yeller”, “The Black Stallion”, “Flipper”, “Lassie”, and the list goes on. One of my personal favorites that still means the world to me all these years later is the 1995 classic “Babe”. While people remember it, the film isn’t really discussed anymore, and I think many have forgotten how special the film was. 

Back in the mid-90’s, “Babe” was the talk of the town, was a huge hit with audiences, and was a critical darling, with some referring to it as the "Citizen Kane" of talking animal films. It was also frequently referenced in our pop-culture, and was even nominated at the Academy Awards for Best Picture. While it understandably lost to “Braveheart” that year, it still really says something when a movie about a talking pig was placed in the same category as movies like “Sense and Sensibility” and “Apollo 13”. In general, family movies these days don’t really have as big an impact on either viewers or our pop culture, and it’s really a shame. So, what was it about “Babe” that made it so special for its time, and why do I feel it still holds-up as a great family film … let’s find out.  

  Based on the 1983 novel “The Sheep Pig” by Kick King-Smith, as well as written and produced by George Miller of “Mad Max” fame, “Babe” tells the story of a young pig, whose won at a county fair by the Hoggett family. They take him to their farm with the initial intent to serve him for a Christmas dinner. However, the longer he stays on the farm and socializes with the other animals, the more he makes a home for himself, and gradually over time becomes something of a peace keeper between the sheep and their rough dog herders. The female Border Collie named Fly takes Babe in as a surrogate pup, much to the distain of her mate named Rex. Even Farmer Hoggett takes note of his ability to bond with sheep, and begins to view him as less of a meal, and more of an asset for his sheepherding. After several months of training, Hoggett registers Babe for a sheepdog competition, which his other two dogs Fly and Rex were never able to compete in before.

 The movie plays out like a collection of little vignettes, each with their own title cards, as we follow this pig on his daily slice of life adventures on the farm, and it really gives the film a lot of personality. The film also manages a consistent tone of light-comedy mixed with subtle touches of drama, and the different chapters presented help to juggle the shifting moods. While the film is mostly cheerful and upbeat, there’s also this undercurrent of reserved tension. It never goes too dark, but there is still a little bit of an edge, as we see things from the perspective of these animals, all of whom know that one slip-up or lack of usefulness can result in either punishment or ending-up on the menu. On that note, there are some mature moments when Babe contemplates and discusses the usefulness of a pig’s life, how most of them are raised to be eaten, and that by extent, both his parents and all his siblings were likely fattened-up and eaten. A lesser film would have played this revelation-up with lots of intense melodrama, but instead it’s kept quiet, yet still allows the weight of the discussion to sink in.

 There is of course some comedy, and goofy situations, but once again, it’s just the right amount of hummer and levity without going too far … something current movies should take note of. Even in a sequence when Babe teams-up with the duck Ferdinand to retrieve an alarm clock from inside the house, it’s more charming and cute without too much slapstick on display. The troublesome duck Ferdinand is once again played for laughs, but is downright subtle when it comes to comedic side-characters. Also, I always wondered if he might have inspired the Aflac Duck. Even without big laughs, this film has a consistent charm that just puts me in a good mood, and there’s so many wonderful little moments to single out. One of my favorite details in the opening credit sequence, which is set in a vintage pig-themed-merchandise-display of sorts. As a camera travels down this long display room, all these little objects individually springing to life, and all while matched to a whimsical music score. It’s hard to explain, but there’s something incredibly warm and comforting about this opening, which perfectly sets the mood of the film.

  Of course … the characters in this movie are wonderful, and portrayed by a perfect cast. Babe naturally is at the heart of the film, and is infectiously lovably, largely thanks to the vocal talents of the late Christine Cavanaugh. From the boy genius of “Dexter’s Laboratory”, to Chucky from “The Rugrats”, to Gosalyn from “Dark Wing Duck”, to Bunnie Rabbot from “Sonic the Hedge Hog”, she was the voice of generation of children’s content, and even though I always recognized her voice, she’s always brought a distinct charisma and charm to her individual characters. In the case of our pig Babe, he’s sweet and innocent, but also mature, and filled with a spirited sense of wonder. Babes surrogate mother, the Sheepdog Fly, is a nice mix of both loving and cynical. She was voiced by Miriam Margolyes, who was having quiet the dog year, as at the same time she portrayed Granma Rose in the animated Dog picture “Balto”. Then there’s a trio of singing mice, who are a very cute presence in the movie without upstaging our main characters.

  Another talent who adds to the films distinct atmosphere is the narrator, who’s brilliantly provided by the voice of Roscoe Lee Browne. If you were part of the Fox Kids generation, you may remember him as the voice of Kingpin from the classic animated “Spider-Man” series, or if you were lucky to grow-up with John Wayne movies, you may remember him as Mr. Nightlinger from the 1972 western “The Cowboys”. The late talent had an incredibly unique voice, one that was both comforting, yet also quiet intimidating … like there’s importance behind what he’s saying, and it always kept my attention. 

Hugo Weaving of course needs no introduction, and he brought his usual talents to the voice of the dog Rex, who has one of the best character arcs of the film. At first, he’s tough, imposing, and very hostel, but as we peal back the layers, we discover a good boy under his wolf-like exterior, and his transition from foe to friend is very satisfying. This is actually a special case in which the film works without the need a villain … although there is a minor antagonist in the form of the house cat named Duchess, who’s metaphorical forked tong is sharper than her claws. The late voice actress Russi Taylor, famous for voicing Minnie Mouse, gave this cat a very malicious presence. While she never quite terrified me as a kid, there was always something to that cat which made me feel uncomfortable. 

  Aside from the animal cast, we also have our two human leads, who I didn’t pay attention to when I was a kid, but really standout in my adult years. Magda Szubanski is delightful as a farmer’s wife, who’s in her own little bubbly world, which is a great contrast to her husband, who’s more reserved and closed in, yet also more mindful and observant to the farm life surrounding him. Farmer Hoggett was played by James Cromwell, who had a number of acting credits beforehand, but this was the role that gave him main-stream recognition. What could have been a one-note portrayal of an emotionally closed-in farmer is suddenly given more layers and charisma thanks to Cromwell’s portrayal, and it earned him a nomination at the Academy Awards for Best Supporting actor. Despite mostly being by himself of set, he still conveys a jubilant sense of energy, and is clearly having fun in the role.

  Personally, my favorite scene in the whole film is when Farmer Hogget nurses Babe back to health after being caught in the rain. As he’s feeding the big, he starts singing, gradually begins to open-up his once closed in emotions, and gets so excited he puts on a little dance. This could have been ridiculously corny, but the way it’s built-up, and again James Cromwell’s performance really elevate this scene into a very touching highlight, with a little slice of hummer added in. Also, the use of the song “If I Had Words” was a brilliant choice. While this song was originally a duet by Scott Fitzgerald and Yvonne Keeley back in 1977, I’ll always remember it best as the theme music for “Babe”. Hard to explain, but there’s a good deal of sentimental value to the song, as it also makes for a decent lullaby for little kids in the family.

  The last thing that shouldn’t go unappreciated about this movie are the special effects, which still look great all these years later. Funny enough, following after “Babe”, there were a number of family films featuring talking animals, but they never looked as convincing as what this film pulled off. While the puppets at times can be a little obvious, mainly for the cat Duchess, I still have no problem convincing myself that these animals are really talking. At the Academy Awards, “Babe” actually won the Oscar for Best Special Effects, beating “Apollo 13” with its impressive zero gravity effects. “Babe” actually had seven nominations overall that year, which also included Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Editing, and Chris Noonan was nominated for Best Director. The success of “Babe” lead to a sequel in 1998 titled “Babe: Pig in the City”, which was both darker and goofier in tone, lacking the simplicity of the first, but is still an underrated achievement in its own right, and worth a review of its own for another time. 

  The one scene I feel might have pushed the corny elements is the closing shot of the film, in which we see a single beam of sunlight bursting through the sky and touching our champion pig … but that’s only at the end of the film. As far as animal themed movies are concerned, “Babe” offered something different from the majority of its peers. We all know the formula of “a boy and his dog”, or “a girl and her horse”, but a middle-aged farmer and his pig isn’t exactly a conventional draw-in for audiences … but this film did it, and left an impression on a decade of viewers. 

The famous line “That’ll do-little pig” is still known and referenced in our pop-culture today. In the end, I feel there’s a simple driving goal for all family pictures to achieve, which is find a way to appeal to both children and adults in equal measure. For my money, “Babe” accomplishes this masterfully. It has the humor, engagement, intelligence and drama to appeal to older viewers, without getting either too sentimental or too silly, and it has the charm, wholesomeness and wonder to appeal to kids, without being to loud and bombastic. Personally, I feel family films these days have lost their simplicity, and are often playing the same notes of either too much comedy or too much fast momentum. “Babe” represents as special time in which a family picture was able to attract a wide audience on its own simple merits, and I feel it still holds-up today.

Thanks for reading my review of the 1995 family movie classic “Babe” … and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!