Once Upon a Forest

Once Upon a Forest is a heartwarming and appealing animated family film directed by Charles Grosvenor and released in 1993. Starring the voice talents of Michael Crawford, Ben Vereen, and Ellen Blain, this movie successfully manages to deliver an important environmental message while keeping the audience captivated with a light-hearted yet thought-provoking narrative.

The story is set in a charming forest of Dapplewood, home to an array of endearing woodland creatures. Among these animated animals are three young friends: Furlings, namely Abigail Chipmunk (Ellen Blain), Edgar Hedgehog (Paige Gosney), and Russell Mole (Benji Gregory). They have a caring mentor-figure, Cornelius (Michael Crawford), an older and much wiser badger who educates them about the various intricacies of the forest life, its intriguing inhabitants, and the importance of preserving nature.

One day, a tragic incident involving a toxic gas leak from a crashed truck gravely endangers the health of Michelle, a normally energetic and curious badger, who is also the cousin of Abigail and one of the beloved members of their forest community. With Michelle unconscious and her home devastated by the leak, Abigail, Edgar, and Russell embark on a daring excursion under the guidance of Cornelius. The group sets out on an arduous journey beyond the boundaries of their beloved Dapplewood to find a rare healing herb, foreseeing the big responsibility on their little shoulders.

Over the course of their journey, the Furlings face numerous adversities and challenges. The narrative fluidly highlights these courageous creatures' journeys while unraveling the adverse effects of environmental hazards caused by human activities on wildlife. Obstacles augment, distances seem to increase, but what doesn't fade away is the resolve of these young Furlings. Their quest is both treacherous and exciting; they encounter dangerous terrains, unfamiliar environments, and wild creatures outside their safe haven of Dapplewood.

"Once Upon a Forest" beautifully balances adventure and bravery with subtle values of companionship, love, and respect for nature. The film also introduces the audience to an amazing array of animated animals. The talented voice artists, including Michael Crawford as Cornelius, bring a unique depth to their diverse and distinctive characters.

What sets this film apart is its narrative thread of environmental responsibility, which has been woven skillfully into the tapestry of the plot without overtly weighing down the fun adventure. Moments of light-hearted humor, genuine camaraderie between the three young friends, their love for fellow forest dwellers, and their pleasant interactions offer a palette of emotions and colors.

The voice acting showcases an outstanding range of talent, from Michael Crawford's heartfelt portrayal of the wise Cornelius, to Ben Vereen's indomitable spirit as Phineas, a reckless but heroic bird. Ellen Blain excels as Abigail, portraying the emotional depth and bravery of the young chipmunk with nuance and conviction.

Visually captivating with its lush green forests, engaging animal characters, and detailed landscapes, 'Once Upon a Forest' is a feast for the senses. The animation style is incredibly picturesque and detailed, complementing the film's strong environmental theme.

Furthermore, the enchanting score by James Horner adds another layer of charm to the overall cinematic experience. His compositions swing organically from uplifting and jaunty to dramatic and intense, just as the movie's moods swing within its multifaceted narrative.

From adventure to subtle suspense, from elements of peril and danger to displaying depths of friendship, bravery, and courage, the film is laden with myriad emotions that keep it engaging. It not only succeeds in entertaining but also instills a sense of respect for the environment and showcases the values of friendship, teamwork, and grit simultaneously.

Once Upon a Forest is indeed an enjoyable family film with an important message about the environment, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages. Preachy it is not, but it successfully conveys its mission: A gentle reminder of the indispensability of forests and nature in our lives and the lives of those thousand creatures who call it home. A grand adventure intertwined with the real-world relevance of environmental conservation, this film is a gem from the early 1990s that continues to shine brightly today.