Babe, a modern day classic for families

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I’ve been wrestling with which film to showcase this week and decided to share one that I absolutely adore and want to check out again for my boys.
Babe is one of those films that at first glance might be overlooked by some.  The whole pig who’s different theme was explored before and for some the idea of animals talking to each other isn’t super appealing.
Well, this one has most definitely stood the test of time for me to be considered a film I’ll want to watch with the grandkids (if Mr. O and I are blessed with any.)
The premise of the story for those that might not have watched it…
Babe is the runt of his mom’s litter.  While the farmer’s wife is just waiting for the day he’s big enough to be their dinner, he seeks out a way to fit in.  Choosing to shepherd sheep like the sheep dog who befriends him is not exactly ‘fitting in’ on the farm.  However, this unusual skill is noticed by the farmer who decides to enter into the fair’s competition.
All in all this is a great family film.  It is free of so many themes that are not truly family friendly.  There’s no foul language, no sexual innuendo, or scantily clad women.   Giving the animals the ability to communicate more like humans (all perceived as animal noises by the humans in the film) is possibly the only objection I can see some Christians having to this film.  However, in our house that’s just fine as the boys know that animals do not have the ability to communicate in that manner.  And, the communication is not magical by any stretch of the imagination.
Babe: A Pig in the City is the sequel that I’ve only seen once.  I recall it being a bit darker in themes not unlike some other family films.  A more sensitive child might avoid this, or make sure a parent watches with them.  I noticed that this selection is in the Netflix instant selections and might watch it again to better reacquaint myself.
The premise of this one is that Babe goes with the farmer’s wife to the big city in hopes of helping save the family farm.  Once there, he is separated and ends up living quite the adventure (circus performer, target of dogs, and a leader for the animals.)
This post has been submitted for inclusion in The Christian Home carnival (Issue 19) hosted by The Legacy of Home.
As the featured columnist for the Movies and Music category, you can be looking forward to weekly posts on what we are watching or music we’ve enjoyed. Feel free to leave suggestions for me as well.  While I have several movies and some music selections in mind, I’m always on the lookout for other great choices.