Father Christmas

"Father Christmas" is an unconventional Christmas cartoon. Why? Because it shows Santa in many ways you wouldn't expect...plus there is no Mrs. Claus, no elves and only two reindeer! But despite this, it is charming and well worth seeing.

The story begins just after Christmas and Santa is in need of a vacation...so he heads to France, Scotland and, finally, Las Vegas. But someone always recognizes him, so he returns home to prepare for the upcoming Christmas.

The artwork in this film is simply lovely...which isn't surprising since it was made by some of the same folks who made "The Snowman"...a gorgeously animated film from 1982. In fact, this same snowman makes an appearance near the end!

As for the story, it's odd to see a VERY folksy British version of Santa...but it's still sweet and cute and well worth seeing. I tend to be a tad cynical about Christmas films, but I thought this one and "The Snowman" are just lovely family films.

Watching Father Christmas is a tradition for my brother and I, we also watch it before Christmas Day, ever since we were young kids. It is a sweet natured cartoon based on a illustrated book by Raymond Briggs.

This version of Father Christmas lives in an English suburb, in a ordinary terrace house with his pet dog and cat, and of course his reindeers. He is kind hearted, but grumpy, who moans about the image his has. He has to focus on daily chorus that are related to Christmas. He decides to spend his time for once on holiday, going to France, Scotland and Las Vegas, before having to get everything ready for Christmas.

The animation is simple, and old fashioned and wonderful to watch. There is good designs and art direction throughout and the style is very close to the book. The plot is different to the traditional Father Christmas story where he is a not a jolly man living at the North Pole with a lot of elves, but a old man living a normal live, except on Christmas Eve. The story itself is simple and sweet natured, perfect for children, young and old. There is good comedy, some physical, but mostly based on Father Christmas' attitude and view of live. Mel Smith voice was perfect for this version of the legend.

One of the best Christmas based films.

A well written and voiced over rendition of this story! Enjoy!

Much better than another voice over that I saw...the voice over makes this soooooo good!

The actors added so much flavour to this edition of the story...one must compare to hear precisely how much better this version is!

An incomparable story for the Christmas season; I watch it every year!

I really do not know how to make this version better. It has human - andimal relationships. Santa butt shots. Irreverent homour related to an old story.

Bloomin' genius!

One of films keeping the spirit of Christmas in high manner. Beautiful, amusing, seductive and..perfect. Because it is more than an inspired adaptation but a pure and generous lovely gem of animation.

A very different kind of mood from its companion piece, THE SNOWMAN, FATHER Christmas is a comic story about the real life of Santa Claus and what he gets up to on the 364 days of the year when he's not at work. Mel Smith has a ball voicing somebody who turns out to be completely irascible and bad tempered, yet endearing at the same time.

The same qualities that apply to the other Raymond Briggs classics are present here; namely, fine animation and a dual appeal to both children and adult viewers alike. Yet the subject matter isn't as sentimental as THE BEAR or THE SNOWMAN and that stops it from being a heartwarming classic like those productions; nevertheless it still makes for an entirely watchable little half hour.