The stork delivers a baby to an elephant at a travelling circus. His mother wants to call him Jumbo Jr but after seeing his very large ears the other elephants start disparagingly calling him Dumbo. His clumsiness soon gets himself and his mother into trouble. He befriends a mouse who manages to get him gigs in the circus but he wastes these breaks. Surely there's something that he can do?
A sweet, fun Disney classic. Some great, fantastical plot developments and scenes, all presented with great warmth. The bond between animals and their young is quite emotional and is wonderfully done.
Not all sweetness and light though. There are some harrowing dramatic moments, especially the bullying of poor Dumbo and the treatment of his mother. Ultimately this gives Dumbo something to overcome so is necessary to the plot.
The animation is brilliant and despite being made in 1941 the movie still looks great by modern standards.
Not perfect though. The story feels a bit basic and touch incomplete. While there's some decent themes on display (anti-bullying, finding your talents, don't judge a book by its cover) the end result doesn't feel very profound: the movie could have done with an emotional, thought-provoking wrap-up.
A sweet, fun Disney classic. Some great, fantastical plot developments and scenes, all presented with great warmth. The bond between animals and their young is quite emotional and is wonderfully done.
Not all sweetness and light though. There are some harrowing dramatic moments, especially the bullying of poor Dumbo and the treatment of his mother. Ultimately this gives Dumbo something to overcome so is necessary to the plot.
The animation is brilliant and despite being made in 1941 the movie still looks great by modern standards.
Not perfect though. The story feels a bit basic and touch incomplete. While there's some decent themes on display (anti-bullying, finding your talents, don't judge a book by its cover) the end result doesn't feel very profound: the movie could have done with an emotional, thought-provoking wrap-up.