The Fox and the Hound (1981)

 

Genre: Family/Adventure

Time: 1h 23mins

Directors: Ted Berman, Art Stevens, Richard Rich

Quick Summary: A fox named Tod and a hound named Copper vow to be best friends forever. But as Copper grows into a hunting dog, their unlikely friendship faces the ultimate test.

This is very sweet and very touching, though it can be rather distressing.

Honestly, absolutely lovely and it's so sweet to watch the young pair play as young kids. A wonderful story about a pair who become best of friends, even against all odds and simply enjoy each other's company. I don't mind one bit that it goes a bit overboard with how cute they are together. 

This tugs at your heart and gets across such a powerful message about the standard of society, even if it's just two people who want to be just friends. Sometimes life is going to get in the way of what you want, even if you fight for it. It teaches you that sometimes, you need to realise some things aren't meant to be because they will cause more harm than good. That is heartbreaking and really emotional, but that is what makes this such a powerful story. It uses the innocence of when they were young and were blissfully unaware to really bring it home too.

I found this to be really slow though for a while, and really stretched out. I understand the whole section about Todd getting a girlfriend and becoming part of the forest community is sort of needed, but it takes a good portion of the film up when you're just wanting to see what happens between the two best friends. It is sweet and all, but it felt a little unneeded. 

I didn't really like the songs that much either, "Best of Friends" is okay at best but otherwise, I can't remember any others. 

I wasn't too keen on the ending either, it just didn't really leave a big impact on me and felt like it was all suddenly "Magically All good." Yes, it was a powerful message about friendship but it felt like there wasn't anything fully learnt by the characters.

This was sweet, and heartwarming at times with equally emotional moments but it's a little forgettable when compared to others.

6/10

"Young Tod: Copper, you're my best friend.

Young Copper: And you're mine too, Tod.

Young Tod: And we'll always be friends forever. Won't we?

Young Copper: Yeah, forever."

"Listen good, Tod, 'cause it's either education or elimination."