Animation Source Forums

...not just in terms of why you like the movie. What do you feel it is about the movie that connects (or not) with you? What does the movie say to you, and what have you taken from it? It's my belief that everyone takes something uniquely different from things they see, and I think it would be interesting to share these things here.

For me, what speaks to me about the film is the heart shown between the characters, particularly the paternal relationship between Balto and Boris. I think their dialogue, while at times being very funny, has a real emotional connection running through it that I find particularly endearing. The idea that both characters rely on and need each other without ever really needing to say it is something that I truly enjoy watching. I really enjoy the exploration of the paternal bond in film and animation and seeing it potrayed so well in Balto (all the more testament to the actors and animators) is something that really strikes a chord with me.

The quality of the animation also set the movie apart for me, the expressiveness of the characters and the subtle minutiae of the emotions shown just feel perfect, I never once felt lost of confused as to a characters state of mind or emotion because it was so expertly captured by the animators.

Of course there are also the more prevalent themes of self-acceptance, forgiveness and courage in the face of adversity that the movie reminds me of, and these are things that I continually strive to embody in my life (with varying degrees of success and failure mind you ).

Anyway, those are some of the things that Balto and his story have meant to me. I look forward to hearing what everyone else thinks.

To me,Balto is a movie about a true Alaskan hero,that saved the town of Nome.

I can relate to Balto because really I only have 2 close friends in life.Balto tought me to hang on in life for some friends.

I feel I can really relate to Balto, I don't have any friends, exept tibb_wolf, and I really felt for Balto all the way through the movie and the whole essence of the movie really spoke to me. The emotion of the movie really got me too, I prefered the way they made B1, with just the magnificent scores playing as background music instead of proper songs, with someone singing, I really enjoy listening to Reach fo the light aswell, I find it speaks to you and sends a message not to give up because there is always a way through even if you can't quite see it!!
Balto will always have a special place in my heart!!

That's a very good point, I think the way that the use of an instrumental score helps to drive the emotion of the movie, as you say. A perfect example would be the section with the white wolf. It's certainly a powerhouse scene on its own but the score makes it scene that much more powerful. I personally find it a shame when other films try to rely on vocal songs (I for one think Brother Bear would have had far more emotional impact with more pure instrumentals).



*nod* yes I agree, it really did say something about his nobility and his willingness to go all the way to help someone he cares about. I think a lot of people can connect to that desire to want to help others regardless of personal risk. I think that, in a world that becomes seemingly more cynical with age, a film like Balto is really important because to many people it can serve as a reminder that these qualities and these heroic actions do still exist.

Yes, very good point. That's one thing I hate about nowadays 3D films : the characters just can't stop talking...No emotional parts at all, only jokes. Because that's the only way they know to do that to fill a film.

Now this is only one point, there are many others that make me like Balto (especially the soundtrack)

And that's what ruins a film for you,am I correct in that way?

Yes,with the emotion part of Balto is true.It shows you everything!On Balto1 is more descriptive.But Balto has loads of meanings for me.The true heart of a hero...fidelity,loyality,confidence....cares..

I would have to say that despite the fact I first saw Balto when it was in theaters I find now that I've seen it years later ironically I see much of myself in him. I've always been kind of a loner, and well let's just say I wasn't really accepted by my peers and I had a hard time of accepting myself the way I am. There are many more parallels between myself and Balto then I can list so I feel really connected to his character beyond the fact that he's in a kids film that happens to be animated although it wouldn't matter to me if he was or wasn't lol. So bottom line if there was a character within the movie I can connect to the most it would have to be Balto paws down.

Same here Lakoswolf ^^ I also found that the movies (especially B1) made me feel like my heart was trying to escape from my rib cage in the way that I so wanted Balto to succeed all the way through the movies, they conveyed his emotions so well, you could always see what he was feeling, in most movies these days the characters either joke about it or just come right out and say what they are feeling and it just does'nt feel right and you don't feel for the character in the same way, facial expressions say so much more than words ever could in animated movies and it seems animators can't quite get it right these days and it's such a shame, I really related to Balto and I have never felt the same about any movie character, animated or live, since watching Balto.

It's just an all out great story with terrific animation and music. It teaches me to believe in what I want and who I am and to be satisfied with that. He's a symbol of bravery in being unique.

I personally have to agree with the music. It captured me even as a child and the white wolf scene truely was probably the moment that brought me to want to see the movie again and again.

I agree with Lakoswolf. I'm more of a loner, I can really relate to Balto because in I only have one friend, everybody else in my class just irritate and tease me.

I kind of grew up with little self esteem, so it's kind of hard for me to trust people, have confidence, etc, you get the point.
The background music was really good and always fitted the seen, especially at the White Wolf Scene, that's probably my all-time favourite part of B1.

Another thing, was that at the start, Balto didn't really have much friends, whereas usually, the hero/heroes already have friends, confidence, etc. But Balto was the opposite, which I think made it really good.

What does Balto mean for you?
Never give up.