The Man Who Planted Trees

The story of Elzéard Bouffier, a shepherd, who by his own efforts transformed a wasteland into a fertile forest. His selfless work not only dramatically changes the environment, but also improves the lives of others, in perhaps unforeseen ways.

A wonderful tale that contains an encouraging message. The animation is beautiful and successfully supports the the story.

One of the best cartoons I have ever seen.

I can't remember the last time I was so moved by an animated film. It is truly a work of art, lyrical, and inspired. The story is a very nice parable, but the way it was told by the artist here is incredibly moving. Many years of work (eight?)by the team of animators headed by Frederick Back created this 30-minute film. Only the loving product of the heart and of the right brain could yield art like this. Christopher Plummer's voice evokes the wise elder of the film's subject, and the music provides a background that blends well with the gentle crayon and charcoal drawings that form this work, but it is the visual art that forms the centerpiece, in my opinion. The work moved me to tears without any of the manipulations of most modern films. I could imagine youngsters being inspired and moved by this also and think it should be shown to all children. I echo other viewers' recommendation that this would make a wonderful gift for someone you love, at any age.

I had seen "The Man Who Planted Trees" many years ago on the the PBS children's anthology program "Long Ago and Far Away" and had often thought of it since, so I was very pleased when this set became available. I considered buying the individual disc with just "The Man Who Planted Trees" but I am so glad I went ahead and bought the set because the other films are just as beautiful and moving. I especially like "Crac!"

If you love hand-drawn animation, if you appreciate a good story, or if you are any kind of a conservationist I think you will enjoy this set immensely.

(The packaging *is* a little annoying, but if you're really worried about breaking the discs you could just put them in a folder or something.)

We first saw this film many years ago as part of the touring 'International Tourney of Animation' and were moved by its power and beauty. When that year's Tourney became available on VHS, we eagerly bought it, hoping to see 'The Man Who Planted Trees' again, but were disappointed to discover that it was the only piece from the Tourney that was not included. Now it's finally available, and I can't recommend it to you highly enough. It is the product of five years of work by a master of his art. The images are painterly in effect, evoking the French impressionists, and Back makes excellent use of different color palletes to contrast the desolation of the Alpine highlands with their post-tree-planted fruitfulness. The narration by Christopher Plummer and the music are perfect accompaniments to this inspiring tale of how one man's simple dedication to the task that lies directly before him can transform the world.

This animated short story is absolutely enchanting, inspiring, and, from an artisitc standpoint, simply amazing. The animation is incredible. The naration by Christopher Plumer is perfect. The story of the circle of life and one man's perserverance will make anyone feel good. I highly recommend it. A film that can be enjoyed by all ages and for all time.