Father Christmas

Dir: Dave Unwin

1991

*****

Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas is bloomin' marvellous. An adaptation of the author's illustrated books Father Christmas (1973) and Father Christmas Goes On Holiday (1975), Dave Unwin's animated 1991 film captures all the magic and subtleties of the originals as well as the quintessential Britishness of Briggs' style. Voiced the late great comedian Mel Smith, Father Christmas is essential viewing for me over the festive period. I love the idea that Father Christmas goes on holiday pretty much the rest of the year after his manic working night of 24th December and that he is pretty much just another Brit abroad when he is (which is ridiculous but lovely all the same). The American edited version is a crime against humanity and should be avoided at all costs. It's also lovely in that it links Raymond Briggs' other stories together. The Snowman is the most obvious story and it is suggested that this particular adventure happens a couple of years after the events of that particular story (and that the Snowman himself visits ever year). It is also worth looking out for both Jim and Hilda Bloggs from When the Wind Blows who are both drinking in the Scottish pub scene and Ernest (Briggs' Father) from Ethel and Ernest who can be seen delivering milk to the Royal family on Christmas morning. Like many, I grew up reading Raymond Briggs' books and fell in love with every one of them. There is a childishness and maturity to all his works that means that now I'm an adult, they mean even more to me. It's wonderful that they have been adapted so perfectly by people who both love and understand why they are so special.