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6.4/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.4/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. The Brave Tin Soldier remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you have a soft spot for animation history or just like things that feel a bit haunted, yes. It is a quick watch. People who hate older cartoons that move like they have had too much coffee will probably want to skip this one entirely.
I sat down to watch this expecting something gentle. Instead, I got a whirlwind of music and frantic character designs.
The tin soldier himself is a weird choice for a lead. He is missing a leg, which the film leans into heavily. It feels a bit sad, honestly, watching him try to balance while everything else is dancing around him.
The music is loud. It does not really stop to let you breathe. It reminded me a bit of the frantic pace in The Town Rat and the Country Rat, where the chaos is supposed to be the point.
You can tell the animators were experimenting with everything they had. Some of the movements are incredibly fluid, and others are just plain jerky.
It’s not perfect. Sometimes the narrative feels like it is trying to run away from itself. But there is a charm here that you just don't get with the clean, digital stuff nowadays. It feels like someone actually drew these by hand, which, well, they did.
If you want a movie that takes itself too seriously, look elsewhere. This is just a toy story that gets a bit dark when you aren't looking. 🧸
I found myself zoning out a bit toward the middle. Then, suddenly, something weird happens with a jack-in-the-box and I was back in it. It’s that kind of experience.