Paddle to the Sea

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)!

As a gradeschooler, we were made to watch a film one day. That film changed my outlook on life significantly. Of course, that film was "Paddle to the Sea."

This is an outstanding look at the Canadian wilderness; and the journey of the boat of as much a symbol of the human condition as anything Shakespeare penned.

I have not seen the film since I was a child. I have ordered it from the Canadian Film Board. Wow, I can't wait to remember what every soul knows deep inside.

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.

A wonderful short that has been a standard in schools for years. It is about life and adventure and we all feel a need to support "paddle" as he heads for the sea."Look out of the snake, paddle!". Wonderful memories that have stayed with me all these years. Lets hear it for the National Film Board that supported the creation of such gems.

Until this evening, I believe the last time I saw this film was in our Wolf Cub pack, around 1969 or '70. Tonight I was tickled right through all over again. The scene of the building of Paddle to the Sea was still familiar even after all this time. It's amazing how they were able to anthropomorphize that heroic little piece of carved wood.

This film should reinforce the spirit of adventure in any child. The selfless actions of the secondary characters shouldn't be discounted either.

(Kids aren't likely to notice the occasional geographical shortcut, such as Niagara Falls being adjacent to Detroit!)