Creating magical experiences

While we designers dream of creating magic with our projects, sweet tender memories are coming alive now as I watch Bambi on national TV. Years ago, the sweet & vulnerable Bambi, & the endearing & outspoken Thumper filled our lives day after day (sharing pride of place only with Pinnocchio, Snow-White & He-Man!!) as our young son watched & rewatched & rewatched this beautiful movie. It is easy to see why he was so utterly absorbed in the tale of this little deer; this is one story that tugs at Ravi & my heart too, a sentiment parents across the globe would share, I suspect.

I also suspect this aesthetic might not find favor in today's cartoons ( & is therefore the reason one does not see it too often, even in Disney movies of recent times such as Shrek). The sentiment may be there today, but the visuals are not. And that makes one appreciate Bambi all the more. However parents today would appreciate the two gems poor Thumper has been tutored to speak:

"If you can't say anything nice, don't say nothing at all", and
" Eating greens is a special treat, it makes long ears & strong big feet"

and then in a hushed aside to Bambi, " but it sure ain't great stuff to eat".

Uh-oh, here comes the sad part where Bambi is orphaned.

This also brings to mind that down generations, kid stories are a lot about animals: Aesops fables, Panchatantra, & I'm sure numerous other culture-specific favorites. This anthropomorphizing in relation to animals might very well be instrumental in spurring & nurturing rich qualities in a child such as empathy, deep understanding of someone outside of oneself, imagination, & hopefully at a higher level, a deep respect for all living creatures.

Let me return to Bambi!!