You won't be disappointed!

Surprisingly incoherent and boring

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

I happen to own a copy of the original novel of "Animal Farm". Back before big rival companies like DreamWorks or even mainstream anime were created, it was rare to find any animated movie in an age as long ago as the 1950's not made by Disney, or at least one that was particularly noteworthy. I admit that I don't read novels anymore, but this is a story so significant I can't forget it. My only complaints are that it is a bit too short. It seems like there could have been more ground covered, but it still delivers the goods. It was weird how there was little dialogue, but for the most part, it worked by setting the mood.In the modern age of CGI, we forget the time where traditionally animated films were all there was. This has animation that truly does hold up after all these decades. You could even compare it to the artwork of classic "Looney Tunes" cartoons released at the time. As the film is fairly short, it really does seem like some very long cartoon that would come before an actual film, only in a serious manner. This shows us how serious animation can be and how we should relish what it has done for us.The story is more or less the same as the book. Barn animals overthrow a farmer and are then ruled by pigs who turn out to be just as corrupt as the humans. Having read and studied the book in High School, I truly understand the meaning. The book is a classic and can never be surpassed, but this is certainly worth watching. Even if you are unaware of the symbolism behind Communist Russia or in more modern terms, a country like North Korea, it still holds up. History buffs such as myself can't pass it up. I know of citizens or maybe simply people who don't care about who controls them or how it's done. They didn't really change the ending, as simply add more to it.May the opposition of dictatorship live on forever! *** out of ****.

George Orwell's novel ANIMAL FARM has long been a favourite of mine, ever since I was forced to read it for English class in school. I admired its depth and simplicity, two things that don't necessarily combine very often. This 1954 animated film came out soon after the novel was released, and it has its moments but is a bit of a disappointment if you've read the book.The animation is probably the best thing about it; ANIMAL FARM has a distinct look to it and the animals are all well drawn and complement each other nicely. I admire the viciousness of the production; the darkness of the book is well retained here with lots of gory mayhem. It's also an ultimately depressing production, which is as it should be. One thing I didn't like was the ponderous narration, constantly telling us what to think and feel; films which show instead of tell are always better.The main problem with ANIMAL FARM is that the CIA co-financed the production and, unfortunately, interfered with the material. Thus the portrayal of Snowball is different to in the book; he's less sympathetic here. Also, for whatever reason, that ending is just wrong. It's not enough to spoil the movie, but it's no classic because of these changes.

Honestly, I just don't see why this great film keeps receiving so much unfair criticism. It is true that that it does change the ending of the book in which it was inspired, but for most part, it very respectful for its source material, keeping all the dark elements and themes from the novel.In many ways, "Animal Farm" managed to be away too ahead of its time, being much mature than other animated films produced in the same decade. Even when the animation wasn't as polished as the Disney classics, it was reasonably well made, with appealing designs and a good level of quality from beginning to end.But it was the marvelous plot from this movie what made "Animal Farm" a worth-watching experience. This movie was made in a time when animation was considered a medium that only kids could enjoy (A sad misconception which unfortunately still exist in the present) and yet, it managed to be just as complex and interesting like novel, without changing the plot in order to make it much more "family friendly" (Now, if you want to see a terrible desecration of Orwell's work watch the terrible "Animal Farm" live-action TV movie from 1999, which tried to turn the story into a "Babe" clone. Yes, it was that bad.)"Animal Farm" is simply one of the most underrated animated films ever made, being a brave effort to show the possibilities that the medium had, predating the existence of masterpieces like "Watership Down" and "The Plague Dogs". I think that this movie deserves much more appreciation and recognition from viewers.

Saw this ages ago on video and have never forgotten it. It's an animated film about animals taking over a farm. They're supposed to all be equal to each other...but the pigs slowly change things and start taking over.I had read the novel before I saw the movie so I know they changed the ending. I heard it was because of the CIA but considering it's a British movie that's unlikely. Let's face it--the book is VERY depressing and this was done in 1954. A faithful ending would have been too depressing. The fate of the horse in this one bothered me...and I saw it as an adult! But the animation is excellent and the message still comes through. NOT for small children but junior high on up should see it.