Babe

Name: Babe
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Family
Released: August 4, 1995
Duration: 89 min
Rating: 83
Cast: Christine Cavanaugh, James Cromwell, Magda Szubanski

1995

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 16 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 127 Ratings

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7.6

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7.6	Your Score
7.6	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 127 Ratings

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Babe

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Movie Details & Credits

American Broadcasting Company (ABC) | Release Date: August 4, 1995 | G

Starring: Christine Cavanaugh, James Cromwell, Magda Szubanski

Summary: A comic live-action fable about not fitting in and the lengths to which an ordinary pig will go to find acceptance.

Director: Chris Noonan

Genre(s): Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Family

Rating: G

Runtime: 89 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Peter Stack

The all-time great talking-pig movie, a lovely, intelligent gem of G-rated entertainment that is also rib-tickling funny. Read full review

Kenneth Turan

That rare movie that completely fulfills its admittedly modest aims. Read full review

Susan Wloszczyna

Babe, a live-action fable about a valiant pig who conquers prejudice like a barnyard Jackie Robinson, is in a league of its own when it comes to enchantment. Read full review

Terrence Rafferty

A lovely, stubbornly idiosyncratic fable of aspiration and survival. Read full review

Jonathan Rosenbaum

The characters (both animal and human) are solidly conceived, and the storytelling and visuals are expertly fashioned. Read full review

Roger Ebert

A movie made with charm and wit, and unlike some family movies it does not condescend, not for a second. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Staff(not credited)

Babe could charm the pants off the most unregenerate cynic. Read full review

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User Reviews

jakaman

Mar 14, 2015

A great movie. The best movie I have ever seen so far. So touched and reminds me of how to be more aware to animals. We should love such animals starting from now

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Josemsa

Nov 24, 2020

Quite simply the best. It's sweet, character driven and with a great messages for ALL ages

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

AndrewG

Jun 1, 2009

Heartwarming and beautifully made, with great special effects. I've always loved this film.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

harryjc

Aug 2, 2015

Despite being a movie for children "Babe" has many adult oriented themes, and addresses issues we would otherwise not think of. It is not only about death, and love, but about being who you want to be, and pursuing your dreams. It has a depth that most movies for kids do not have, andDespite being a movie for children "Babe" has many adult oriented themes, and addresses issues we would otherwise not think of. It is not only about death, and love, but about being who you want to be, and pursuing your dreams. It has a depth that most movies for kids do not have, and cinematically, there is a beauty, and charm that to this day has not been duplicated. The story will touch almost anyone's heart, whether young, or old.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

kev_i_n

Jun 3, 2014

Summary
+ Clever use of visuals
+ Fantastic voice acting + Good story with interesting themes that at times are quite depressing - Some bad elements of character developments. - Limited dialogue - Quite dull at times In brief it is a great family adventure full of good blights, whichSummary
+ Clever use of visuals
+ Fantastic voice acting
+ Good story with interesting themes that at times are quite depressing
- Some bad elements of character developments.
- Limited dialogue
- Quite dull at times
In brief it is a great family adventure full of good blights, which is and entertaining. As a result I would recommend it as it is worth a watch.

Full Review
Perhaps the first striking thing about Babe is how well directed it is. The use of animals as the main characters would undoubtable presents its own challenges, but the way the film is directed makes the character/ animal interaction feel really. It is strangely entertaining to watch animals interact and speak to each just as humans would. Particularly like the little elements that help make Babe feel that little bit more special as a film, e.g. moments when Fly lick Babe as a sign of love. Such an approach helps to increase the uniqueness of Babe.

The next thing that really stands out about Babe is the voice acting. All the characters feel unique and at the same time display emotions within their voices. This is particularly the case with Cavanaugh and his voice over of Babe, which emphasises the innocent nature of Babe as a character, while at the same time still depicting Babe as brave and a character who develops throughout the film. Likewise Margolyes depiction of Fly (a female dog) is great as it helps to set Fly as a heart-warming character who takes care of Babe. Such voice acting is enhanced by the acting of James Cromwell as Arthur (the Boss) and Magda Szubanski as Esme Hoggett (the Boss’ wife). Both actors depict real life conflicts of a couple. As a result such acting helps to enhance the film as a whole.

However the main element I found to be good about Babe is that of how it has a really interesting story with elements of cheerful moments which are particularly provided by Ferdinand, and at the end. However such moments, are balanced out with themes within the film that are quite depressing. Such themes include obedience to rules and defining conventions, life and death. In particularly I found it quite saddening when a character close to Babe dies, which not only comes as a surprise but also strengthens Babe as a character. Likewise the challenging by Ferdinand of challenging conventionality in order to save his life is entertaining. I also enjoyed the conflicts between Fly and Rex (male dog who acts like the leader of all the animals on the farm) and the deceptive nature of the cat. Such elements help to make it so Babe is a film that peaks in happiness and sadness. However unlike other kid films that have sad moment like the Lion King, I found babe to be unique because of how it consistently goes back and forth in whether it is sad or happy. The nature of the story helps to make Babe a film that is entertaining for both children and adults.

However there are so elements of Babe I did not find particularly enjoyable. I think the first one is that of how some of the characters are undeveloped/ poory portrayed. This is particularly the case with the Hoggett family members who are hollow shells, except the grand-daughter who is a spoilt brat. However the main character who I feel is under-developed is that of Rex who develops a hatred of Babe. While the source of his anger is well explained, it contradicts his great sense of loyalty to the Boss. However, this is hardly a major criticism given that these characters play a limited role.

The second major issue is how the dialogue of the characters is pretty limited. This is particularly the case with Arthur who seems to lack the verbal capacity to say words beyond that will do, good, pig, dog, and nothing. Likewise I find the narrator to be a bit too simple.

The final complaint I have with the film is that of how within the story there are elements I found to be a bit boring, in particular the start when Babe tries to settle in to his new home.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

MovieGuys

Mar 12, 2014

A heartwarming kid-friendly movie, Babe tells a great story with lots of sentiment and emotion. It's almost impossible not to be affected by it in some way.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

sdumers

Oct 7, 2020

This film is garbage due to the influence it has on vegetarianism and the fact that it has a scene those pigs from Australia put into it that references domestic violence which would be too much even for a children’s film. As result of this, Babe has been officially placed on ban for lifeThis film is garbage due to the influence it has on vegetarianism and the fact that it has a scene those pigs from Australia put into it that references domestic violence which would be too much even for a children’s film. As result of this, Babe has been officially placed on ban for life from my digitally purchased streaming library.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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9	#9 Best Movie of 1995
26	#26 Most Discussed Movie of 1995
7	#7 Most Shared Movie of 1995