The Small One

Before he quit Disney and formed his own company, Don Bluth did a lot for some of their animated films in the 70s, from being a character animator on Robin Hood, to being a directing animator on The Rescuers and even being the animation director on Pete's Dragon. However, one very notable project he directed was a half-hour short film called "The Small One". Although not as well known as other holiday specials, it is worthy to watch during this time of year for its pleasant retelling of an old donkey who is need of a new home.

Set near Nazareth, the story focuses on a young boy who must give away his cherished old donkey named Small One, except nobody at the market really wants him. With all that said, what really makes this special sweet is the relationship between the boy and Small One, as one can tell how much the boy cares for the old animal and doesn't want to give him away to just anyone. It's during several scenes where the townsfolk pester and berate the scrawny donkey where we sympathize the most with the boy in such a difficult situation. Now being that this is a spiritual special, it becomes clear how it will conclude from the subtext alone, but the religious aspect does not take away from the film's overall heart.

Being that this was directed by Bluth, it's no surprise that the animation is well handled. The animators give the proper facial features for Small One to make us endear him, and the occasional pretty effect and dark atmosphere are a nice bonus. The only complaints with the animation is how obvious the boy looks like Mowgli from The Jungle Book and that the auctioneer looks like one of the Italian chefs from Lady & the Tramp, but that can be blamed more on the budget. In addition, the musical numbers help compliment the film's tone. "Small One" helps establish the emotional feel of the film, "Friendly Face" is very moving given the somber context of its scene, and the Merchant's song is quite amusing and full of energy.

Needless to say, there is just enough heart and sweetness in The Small One to make it a holiday special worth seeing. Sure, Disney usually shies away from religious subject matter like this one, hence why it's somewhat obscure nowadays, but it's still a pleasant treat worth viewing for the emotional core that Bluth was known for in his best work. So if you're either a big fan of Disney, Bluth or Christmas specials related to the nativity, then definitely give this one a look. Remember, just because a special tackles a religious subject does not mean it can't be handled with respect, subtlety and tension to detail.

The Small One is so sweet and charming, that for instance it brought tears to my eyes with the boy being so tender towards Small One the Donkey. I love this, and think it is underrated, and I watch it every Christmas. The animation is beautiful, and just adds to the beauty of the film. The story was simple and gentle, demonstrating you can't have everything to meet your own needs, even if it means losing a friend. What made me cry as well as the relationship between the boy and Small One was the title song. So haunting and even heart-rending, with meaningful lyrics. I will say that I never was a fan of Sean Marshall's singing voice on Pete's Dragon, and while it was an improvement here, I still didn't like it that much. But compared to the overall beauty of the film, it is a minor criticism. I thought Small One was adorable, and I did feel angry that anyone would want to kill an innocent donkey. I loved the ending, the character of Joseph was so well-spoken, kind and sensitive, that it warmed my heart. Overall, a really sweet film. 9/10 Bethany Cox.

BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM HONEST

We all grew up loving all the Rankin-Bass Christmas Cartoons. Every year I still love to watch "Rudolf" "Santa Claus in Coming to Town", "Frosty the Snowman" as well "The Grinch". Well here is a lesser known Animated Christmas Cartoon that in reality is a true "Christmas Story"

In this special Outside of the city of Nazareth, a young boy and his father own four donkeys. Three of these donkeys are young and strong. The fourth donkey, Small One, is old and weak, but the boy loves him anyway. Every day, the boy and the donkey play together before they go to work, helping the boy's father to collect wood.

The boy and his father take the donkeys to work one morning, as they always do. Many times, the boy loads Small One with small sticks, since Small One can't carry heavy loads any more. Small One even has trouble carrying stacks of small sticks and the boy helps to carry them for him.

That evening, the boy's father tells the boy that he has to sell Small One. Devastated, but understanding, the boy asks if he can be the one to sell his best friend. The father agrees and tells him that he has to sell him for one piece of silver. That night, the boy comforts Small One and promises to find him a gentle and loving master.

The next morning, the boy takes Small One to the market in Nazareth. Unfortunately, nobody wants an old weak donkey but the tanner, and he only wants to kill Small One to make leather out of his hide. After failing to find another buyer, the boy and his donkey return to the tanner's shop. The boy weeps, and Small One, accepting his fate under the tanner's knife, tenderly consoles the boy.

Don't worry there is a very happy ending. This should be seen by everyone. The makers of this should be proud. There is not a false note in this.

Every Christmas I watch this film with tears streaming. It's a beautiful story about true friendship and the small donkey chosen to carry Mary to Bethlehem. It has light comedy, danger and pathos by turns. The title song "Small One" and the boy's song "Friendly Face" are sweet and memorable. The Merchants' song is fun. It is a Christmas tale that everyone will love and is timeless. A masterpiece from Bluth. 10/10

From the first time I listened to the album to this movie I was hooked.

It was a read/sing along album with the story and illustrations inside when you open the cover. The story is sweet and endearing. I cannot believe there is not more information available about this movie.

If there were more stories like this for our children to grow up on, they would still be innocent like we were back then. Growing up I listened to the story everyday. I can still recite it all the lines along with movie.

It was not just for Christmas in my eyes. A must see for every child and adult.