Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Bambi was one of my favorite movies as a child. I didn't really understand the plot back then, but what little one can resist that sweet little deer. And there is the pondering a child does over the death of little Bambi's mother -- I think parents need to, as my parents did, discuss this one with their kids. And there are the comic moments, especially with Thumper and Flower, Bambi's animal friends.

My two boys love to watch Bambi. Our little girl, just 1, loves anything with animals in it and can only point and squeal, but she's having fun too. They watch it at least once a week, I'd say, their choice. The story is a wonderfully crafted tale, starting with Bambi's birth and leading up to his adult life and his own new family. In it you can see a mother's love for her baby, friendship and just being a kid, and later on responsibility and romance. The whole family can enjoy this film.

There is just one aspect of the movie that bothers me. And that is the issue of "man" being this horrible creature whose only reason for existence in this movie is to kill the animals and burn down the forest. I personally would not hunt for sport (I'm just not interested in hunting), but I don't believe hunting has any moral wrong in it -- God gave us stewardship over the earth and all that is in it. And that does include protecting our natural resources -- but we are not to make them our god, either. I don't think the hunters purposely set fire to the woods, either -- it shows that the fire started accidentally from a spark from the campfire. It just makes me squirm when Bambi's dad acts like man coming is the absolute most horrible thing that could ever happen.

Other than that, I think that with a few short talks with your kids, this movie is a fine addition to a home video library.

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8