With Grandma 1999
Distributed by National Film Board of Canada, 1123 Broadway, Suite 307, New York, NY 10010; 800-542-2164
Produced by Marcy Page and Barrie McLean
Director n/a
VHS, color, 9 min.
K-Adult
Film Studies, Art, Child Development
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Selina Wang, Earl K. Long Library, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LouisianaThis short animated film tells a simple story of a young girl who stays with her grandmother while her parents are away on a trip. The rainy days give them an opportunity to stay inside and get to know each other. We see colorful images of the girl and her grandmother as they do simple activities, such as baking and playing dress-up.
At one point the young girl finds a photo album that has pictures of her grandmother when she was a young girl, and the story fades to scenes of long ago as the old woman reminisces about her own childhood. We get the impression that the young girl is forming the images that she will one day remember, of a pleasant time with her grandmother.
The film is made with wax crayon on glass, and the blending of color and texture work well with this simple story. There is a musical accompaniment, but the story is told without words.
With Grandma is recommended for children of all ages. To very young viewers, it may convey the idea that older people were children once themselves. Older viewers may appreciate the Impressionistic artistic style and be taken in by the sweet and sentimental nature of this beautiful short film.