Paddle to the Sea

I saw this film the first time as a youngster, while I was still living in Canada. I'm guessing it was about 1972, and I think we saw it as a part of our Geography class. We all groaned when we discovered the film was made by the C.B.C., we knew then it must be drab and boring. But, as the film unfolded, we found ourselves more and more captivated by the little wooden Indian in his canoe. And before we knew it, we were cheering after each trial and tribulation he encountered, and when the movie ended, a mere 28 minutes later, we groaned again...."it's over, already?!". Even after 36 years, this film holds up today as it did in 1966, it's warm, bright, fun, and totally captivating. I totally recommend this little bit of Canadiana to everybody!

I honestly did not quite know what to expect from this one – yet another Oscar-nominated Canadian short – despite being aware that it was released on DVD by none other than Criterion; however, I must confess that I was genuinely surprised by how compelling the simple plot line emerged here! In fact, what we have is a small boy living in a cabin up in the snowy woods who, unable to get to the open sea himself, carves a wooden boat – with a Native American for a 'navigator'! – and sets it on its way downstream. Optimistically, he leaves written – for whoever may come into contact with the 'vessel' – that it be allowed to keep the undertaken course! One would never have surmised the sheer amount of incident that could befall such an inconspicuous 'protagonist' – indeed, rarely has an inanimate object acquired so much personality by being made the centre of attention! – as various animals (squirrel, snake, frog, deer) are rendered curious by it, people covet it (a small boy, flanked by an amusingly recalcitrant dog, and a lonesome lighthouse attendant), while numerous other elements (fire, water currents, pollution, a real ship) endanger its very existence. All told, a very nice little film which I will now gladly add to my collection (albeit via an ulterior source)!

I saw this film in second grade and have remembered it all these years. I have been searching the internet for it, I thought it was called Indian in the Canoe. I am so happy to finally have figured out the name. The movie has created a long lasting memory for me and I wish to share it with my child. The Red Balloon is another great film that is soon to be available on a popular DVD rental site, in case anyone is interested. I hope to buy a copy of Paddle to the Sea to share with my child soon. I suggest anyone and everyone who is interested in independent films and who enjoy shorts to watch this immediately. I think more schools should take the time to show timeless treasures as these instead of the typical cartoon of the month. Maybe more kids would grow up interested in real film instead of just the usual blockbuster. Thanks for listening.

Of course, growing up in the early seventies, this movie was practically a rite of passage. I loved it as a child! Now it serms slightly dated and less magical. Yet, its watchable and thankfully short. I would reccomend at least one viewing as it is an important and classic NFB production.

When a lighthouse keeper spots a small wooden boat in the water, he imagines it's journey from the fireside of the young man who carved it all the way down stream, facing obstacles both natural and man-made before it reached him. This canoe has but one passenger, a rather formidable looking native, and both have clearly seen some wear and tear with all the original decoration eroded by it's travels and now only the instructions to "put me back in the sea" still visible. The carving is used as a charming conduit to follow the river, lakes and locks as it travels many thousands of miles to the sea. Niagara Falls, threatening propellors, enthusiastic fishermen, curious children. All are encountered by "Paddle" en route and with a simple narration and score, this is quite a gently engaging travelogue with a difference. Maybe it's trip is not finished yet, either...?