Despite not being a fan of this type of cartoon/short film, having found many of them to be too preachy and dull regardless of often looking good, 'Reason and Emotion' was still seen anyway for three reasons. One because of being a huge lifelong fan of animation. Two because of loving Disney since the age of 2 (nearly 30 years). Three because of the actual idea, very interesting to see a more psychological propaganda cartoon which was different and refreshing.
'Reason and Emotion' is not an animated classic and Disney did do better cartoons during this time as well as before and since. Subject matter-wise, 'Reason and Emotion' is one of their most interesting cartoons made at this particularly turbulent time and in a couple of instances quite bold. It managed to be very good, doing almost everything right in fact, and as far as Disney's propaganda shorts made at this time, this is one of the better faring ones.
There is not an awful lot wrong with 'Reason and Emotion'. It does have a change of tone partway through, with darker second half, and the change was a bit too abrupt and also odd at first.
Maybe it could have been more subtle in its handling of the subject, for example there is a very daringly vicious caricature of Hitler and the messaging is a little over-simplified.
However, 'Reason and Emotion' boasts terrific animation. The colours are typically rich and warm and the backgrounds are very atmospheric and meticulous in its detail. The two titular characters are beautifully animated too, especially Emotion, and the animation on the Hitler caricature was a masterstroke. The Disney cartoons also delivered wonderfully on the music, which is its usual lush and characterful self with some liveliness but also darker when needed. Voice acting is very good.
Furthermore, 'Reason and Emotion' has a lot of unyielding yet human sincerity in the writing, the emotion ringing true. The story has some charm but it is also very powerful and insightful in its portrayals of reason and emotion. Particularly in the second half. The psychology fascinates, is not confused or juvenile and makes one think. The two titular characters are well defined and contrasted, Emotion is the more interesting and more appealing character of the two but they both carry the cartoon beautifully. The messaging is not handled flawlessly but its good intentions and what it has to say are laudable.
Overall, very good. 8/10.
