Great

Great is a delightful animated historical film debuted in 1975. Directed by the talented Bob Godfrey, it brought together an exceptional voiceover cast including renowned British actors Richard Briers, Harry Fowler, and the gifted Barbara Moore. The film’s title signifies both its magnificent content and a sly nod to the film's main focus—the story of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, hailed as one of the “greatest” figures of the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain.

The story revolves around the life and significant contributions of Brunel, highlighting his various distinctive achievements. Richard Briers, known for his superb skills in voice modulation and emotive delivery, lends his voice to the character of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Through his vibrant performance, Briers breathes life into the challenging role, giving Brunel's character depth and a unique blend of assertiveness, intelligence, and wit, very much reflective of the real-life personality.

Harry Fowler, a seasoned actor with a knack of voicing powerful characters, provides the voice for several supporting characters throughout the film. His performance is truly commendable as he switches between characters, giving each a distinct identity. Barbara Moore makes her dexterous vocal talents shine by bringing a host of other characters to life in a fun and engaging manner.

Great brilliantly paints the portrait of a man who was not just a civil engineer but also an innovative visionary who massively influenced British industrial design. As you dive into the life of Brunel through the mind and eye-catching animation of director Bob Godfrey, you’ll find the storyline filled with originality, humor, and wit. The film adds a unique charm by adopting an irreverent, almost comic-book style animation, which is filled with rich, evocative details—making it highly appealing for both children and adults alike.

Viewers are taken on an engaging trip through history, witnessing Brunel's masterful feats of engineering—ushering the steamship and railway era into existence. Brunel's works, such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Great Western Railway, and the SS Great Britain, are ingeniously visually recreated, engaging viewers with a mix of amusement and fascination.

Great successfully transforms the story of an engineer into an exciting narrative that combines elements of history and comedy. It sheds light on not just the achievements of Brunel but also the socio-historical context in which he lived and worked. The film offers a captivating look at the immense scientific and technological changes that marked the Industrial Revolution, marrying the grim reality of the era with a refreshing dose of humor.

Although based on factual history, the film shies away from being a dry documentary, instead opting to take a lighthearted approach. The characters engage in clever banter, which is laced with clever British humor throughout, making it a thoroughly enjoyable cinematic experience for audiences of all ages.

The soundtrack of the film is no less significant. The music underpins the film’s vibrant art direction and fast-paced storytelling, enhancing the viewing experience. There are toe-tapping musical numbers that punctuate important plot points. The award-winning song “Time Has Flown,” is worth a special mention, brilliantly bringing together the elements of satire, comedy, and history.

Great was highly appreciated for its original approach, compelling storytelling, and artistic excellence. It managed to bag an Academy Award—making it the first British animated film to win the coveted Oscar. The film's success lies in its ability to distill complex historical events and achievements into an exciting, humorous, and insightful narrative. On a deeper level, it is a vivid homage to true genius and the spirit of human inventiveness and enterprise.

Whether you're an animation lover, a history buff, or simply someone who values rich, insightful stories, Great makes for an entertaining cinematic journey. You would certainly appreciate the creativity of this uniquely enjoyable portrayal of one of history's extraordinary figure Isambard Kingdom Brunel.