Rabbit Ears: The Tiger and the Brahmin

1991's 'The Tiger and the Brahmin' is part of the fascinating and consistently high quality "We All Have Tales" series from Rabbit Ears Productions, a series of adaptations of fairy-tales and folk-tales from around the world. In this particular instance India. This is one of not many instances for the Rabbit Ears Productions adaptations where the original story was actually not known to me prior, after experiencing 'The Tiger and the Brahmin' it did get me interested in Indian folklore.

'The Tiger and the Brahmin' may not be one of the best of the "We All Have Tales" (the second longest running Rabbit Ears Productions series after "Storybook Classics") series, but that it still manages to be so great says a good deal about how good the best adaptations are. 'The Tiger and the Brahmin' is also not one of the best Rabbit Ears Productions adaptations as an overall whole, again though that says a lot about how brilliant the best of them are.

Very little to criticise here, apart from it slightly missing the extra something of the best adaptations of the "We All Have Tales" series (which to me are 'The Fool and the Flying Ship', 'Peachboy', 'Koi and the Kola Nuts' and 'East of the Sun, West of the Moon'). The character design of the Brahmin on first viewing took getting used to. Then again that is just personal preference.

On a visual level, 'The Tiger and the Brahmin' is simple, shall never call it limited though, but looks great. Especially the vibrant backgrounds and the transitions never look awkward, and the Brahmin's character design has grown on me overtime. Really liked that it was like looking at carefully crafted illustrations from a picture book.

It was a masterstroke having film composer Ravi Shankar, who was Indian himself, on board providing the music. Music that is at times ominously dramatic and hauntingly beautiful, particularly striking is the doom-laden use of drums.

Similarly, it was a masterstroke having Ben Kingsley as narrator. Kingsley has a perfect voice for narration, very authoritative, gravitas-filled and calm, all of which present in his delivery of the thoughtful narration. The sinister voice for the tiger was especially well done. The characters are engaging, with the tiger making the biggest impression, and the story absorbs throughout with the conflict between the titular characters carrying it beautifully.

All in all, truly great. 9/10.

I love the stories from India, so much it makes me want to go there, even after the many times I have watched this. Sir Ben Kingsley, is a great choice for narration, proving his versatility in his reading bringing the many characters to life, perfectly complemented by Ravi Shankar's music for an enchanting experience. The drawing style is nice, and while not realistic, it makes the tale much more whimsical. Another favorite of mine from the Rabbit Ears series.