Big Heart, Little Piglet
Produced at DisneyToon Studios, PIGLET’S BIG MOVIE was one of the few films produced in Tokyo, japan. DisneyToon once specialized in direct-to-video sequels and spin-offs and was headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Although Disney was forced to close the facility due to the rising cost of animation, DisneyToon was one of the last Disney facilities to produce traditionally rendered, cell-based animation.
The flashback sequences featured prominently throughout PIGLET’S BIG MOVIE were the first adaptations of A.A. Milne’s original stories since the release of THE MANY ADVENTURES OF WINNIE THE POOH. Although Piglet is recast as the hero of the flashback sequences, the stories are faithful to Milne’s originals. Indeed, though Piglet is often depicted as a rather frightened and timid creature, it is his resourcefulness that tends to move the plot forward.
The film begins with Pooh, Rabbit, Tigger and Eeyore trying to lure the bees from their beehive. The plan to liberate the honey backfires and though he was told his small size would be of no use, it is Piglet who redirects the bees and saves his friends from suffering from their stinging wrath. Of course, none of the others realize his heroism and Piglet sulks off into the One Hundred Acre Wood unnoticed.
When the friends realize Piglet is missing, they set on an adventure to find their lost friend, whom they believe was kidnapped by the bees. Armed with Piglet’s scrapbook, they set off to find their little friend. Unfortunately, Tigger loses the scrapbook in the river and the friends are forced follow the river to the waterfall. There they attempt to reach the scrapbook, which is perched precariously on a low hanging branch. Can they reach the scrapbook before it falls over the waterfall? Who will be brave enough to help?
Though the film didn’t quite achieve the same box office numbers as THE TIGGER MOVIE, it did fairly well and was well received. It remains a fan favorite and a very family friendly film. For anyone who has ever felt small, PIGLET’S BIG MOVIE is sure to inspire and entertain.
