BABE (1995) - ♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Chris Noonan

Written by - George Miller, Chris Noonan (based on the novel 'The Sheep Pig' by Dick King-Smith)

Starring - John Cromwell, Magda Szubanski, Christine Cavanaugh

"A pig raised by sheepdogs learns their trade and how to herd sheep. Babe is quite simply family film gold. Family film gold, that has the appeal of a timeless fable. 

To its credit, Babe can also be considered as one of the best if not the best example of use of real life animals in a story about animals, mostly because this particular feature of the film never feels merely like a gimmick. 

Aside from the technical skill, Babe is very creative. The script is very clever, structured around a number of chapters, and even reserves much wit and a refreshingly well times sense of humour. The photography is terrific and pays attention to the beauty of the countryside in which it is set. 

On top of that, James Cromwell, not to be outstaged by the adorable central titular character of the cute little pig, adds further credibility to the film with his flawless interpretation of the quiet and grumpy yet kind hearted aged farmer.

Comedy, Australia/USA