The Fox and the Hound (1981)

Plot: Tod, an orphaned fox and Copper, a hound dog, become best friends but realize they're going to be forced to be enemies when they get older.

Review: This is a brilliant film. There are a lot of brilliant animated films out there, but not many have so much deepness and intelligence in their story.

Firstly, what I like about the film's plot is that it takes friendship and loyalty and applies it in a way that will appeal to children. They have animals, who aren't suppose to be friends, but yet develop a beautiful friendship. And I think that making the characters animals instead of humans, it appeals more to the younger kids. They might think they'll be watching a cute Disney movie about animals, but they'll realize it's a much deeper and more profound film than it appears to be. I think if the characters had been human, it wouldn't have the same effect on kids. And it makes it more understandable I find.

Cooper and Tod try to keep their friendship, despite the fact that the society labels them as enemies and their animal instincts slowly begin to emerge as they mature. They've now succumbed to the pressures and are now enemies.

The scene with the fight between the bear, Tod and Copper is phenomenal. The attention to detail through out it, from the scratches, the blood and even the way the rocks moved, makes a very intense and frightening scene. I can't remember the last time an animated film had that much intensity in one scene. I'm not exaggerating when I say that that battle scene is just as suspenseful and frightening than most battle scenes in huge budget action movies.

The scene after the bear attack where Copper saves Tod's life and that one look they share is so sad. Because we can see that they still value each other and want to have the friendship they once had, but know that that will never happen. So that one look and smile speaks louder than a thousand words.

The ending is very bittersweet. Did I wish for a much happier ending? Of course I did. But I do applaud the fact that they ultimately did a realistic approach. It's the fact that they will always be friends, but never truly friends because it will never be permitted. It's heartbreaking. They can only be "friends" from afar and they'll always have their memories to treasure and remember what they had and I think they wish they still had.

The Fox and the Hound is an incredible film that will leave an impact on us and I think will remembered as one of Disney's best films.

Rating: 4.5/5