The Man Who Planted Trees

This animation amazes me in every way. First, there's the visual style: painterly composition and rendering, but marks that look like colored pencil. I mean, I know there's computer assist in there, but it preserves the hand-drawn character I find so warm and appealing. Then there's the story, practically a Rorschach test of layered meanings. You can read it as an eco-fable, or as a quiet sermon on the power of one person's determination, or as a reminder that even among wars - World Wars, two of them - it's possible for someone to hold onto their own peace, or as ... well lots of things, and usually more than one at a time. Really, it might be the most moving animation I can recall.-- wiredweird

This is a beautifully animated short film for all ages, based on the short story by Jean Giono. It is a narrated tale about a quiet shepherd who takes it on himself to plant a vast forest in a deserted part of the French Alps. Throughout the course of his life he plants just a few seeds at a time until, over many decades, he transforms what was a barren wasteland into a veritable garden of eden. His progress is marked by a lost hiker (travelling through Provence trying to forget his war experiences) who meets the shepherd during the post WW1 years. The hiker returns to see him periodically for many years and is astounded by the transformations that take place in the years he is off living his own life - 'transformations' that the world at large sees as a startling natural phenomena, but that the narrator knows is due to the herculean efforts of one, quiet man.I saw the animated film once many years ago, and I was so taken by the characters and the story itself that I searched for years to find the book or a recording of it in some form. Thankfully it is now available on DVD for a new generation to admire.I would recommend this inspiring animation to anyone of any age. It would make a great gift to someone you really care about, because the recipient will never forget who it was that turned them on to "The Man Who Planted Trees."

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.

The condition of the actual DVD and cover was a little disappointing in that they were quite worn. That being said, the DVD plays just fine, and once it's in the player, who cares? The story is so beautiful and so masterfully told by Christopher Plummer. The illustrations are gorgeous. If you can afford a new copy, I would do that. But if you can't, don't miss out!

This is one of the most moving and visually beautiful animations ever made. The story has depth and resonance, an allegory for what it takes to make a difference in the world. Christopher Plummer's narration has a deep conviction. Until I read more about the story, I thought it had actually occurred. That kind of believability gives the story even more power. The soundtrack is evocative without calling attention to itself. This animation is really a perfect work of art.

The artistry of Frederic Back is magic worth discovering. Refreshingly different from today's computer generated animation, the painstaking, graceful and positively low-tech quality of Back's animated films achieves visual poetry in motion. The two best entries- "Trees" and "River"- also convey a vital message about humanity's responsibility to the natural world, and the dangers in not meeting that responsibility. Due to thick accents and a stiff, rehearsed quality, the interviews are less rewarding than the films, which speak eloquently for themselves. Watch this with your kids, young or old.

I first saw this film some years ago and it made an impact on me then. Now I have my own copy.It is a wonderful emvironmental film that tells a story that we all can relate to. It shows how one person can make a difference. It is a vision of making the world a better place. No celebrity, no stars, only the story. The artwork is magnificent. It really draws you into the story.It doesn't take a lot of your time. Heaven knows we are all busy enough. But it is more than worth the 30 minutes of your time that it takes to watch it.

This profound animated short is my favorite of all time. I watch it at least twice a year and contemplate the message anew.It explores the value of turning grief into do-able positive action-- the value of deep introspection and a simple life to change not only one's viewpoint, but the world. In daily small things that seem insignificant at the time, or not worth the trouble, one person can build up a 'forest' that others can see, touch, enjoy, and draw strength from.

I had seen a part of this before and had been utterly entranced by it I was forced to buy it on video due to the excessive price of the dvd,s however it really is an excellent piece of workand I would not hesitate to recommend it to everybody,and I would also suggest that the book is a good read as well.

I saw this on TV many years ago, and never forgot it. I thought I had recorded it off-air, but sorting through my videos failed to find it. It doesn't seem to be around on British DVD, but I found a used VHS copy on Amazon. Well worth watching again, and I'm glad to have it.

Excellent book

excellent product good service

This award winning DVD is a beautiful work of art and suits almost any age. The drawings have a mystical quality and are such a relief from the crude cartoons of so many modern animated works aimed at children. The author shows amusing insight into the behaviour of the human race with moments of humour. The story ends very happily but it is no way sickly.