Animal Farm (1954 animated film)
Based on George Orwell's 1945 book
Human beings are forever trying to evolve and trying very hard to device a full proof system that tries to be fair to most, if not everyone. Unfortunately, every conceivable system seem to have failed them miserably. We are still in search of an utopian society and land of milk and honey but dystopia is what we have. Monarchy, feudalism, communism, socialism and capitalism have breed nothing but loop holes for man to fulfil their greed.
The present system appears to glorify greed and ruthless suppression of the underprivileged. Paradoxically, this is system that people of the communist block, who were suffering under the former suppressive regimes, opted for.
Every new system, at first, looks all rosy with its pledges and just core values. In time many of its shortcomings come affront and the goal post is shifted to satisfy the masses.
An initially successful system, over time would turn corrupt. The regime in power would try all means to justify their power to lead.
Orwell's post WW2 satire of Russian's autocratic system of hoodwinking the masses into believing that they are getting a good deal met many resistance before publication as Soviet Union was an important ally to the Western world. Its message, however, stays true even to today. What goes on in this fictitious farm is reminiscent of what goes on in many countries, communist, capitalistic or autocratic.
Based on George Orwell's 1945 book
Human beings are forever trying to evolve and trying very hard to device a full proof system that tries to be fair to most, if not everyone. Unfortunately, every conceivable system seem to have failed them miserably. We are still in search of an utopian society and land of milk and honey but dystopia is what we have. Monarchy, feudalism, communism, socialism and capitalism have breed nothing but loop holes for man to fulfil their greed.
The present system appears to glorify greed and ruthless suppression of the underprivileged. Paradoxically, this is system that people of the communist block, who were suffering under the former suppressive regimes, opted for.
Every new system, at first, looks all rosy with its pledges and just core values. In time many of its shortcomings come affront and the goal post is shifted to satisfy the masses.
An initially successful system, over time would turn corrupt. The regime in power would try all means to justify their power to lead.
Manor Farm had seen better times, all because of its drunkard owner's inactivities. The animals in the farm, led by a pig, Old Major, starts a revolt. They successfully drove the owner out and took charge of the running of the farm. They changed its name to Animal Farm and devices a new set of rules for everyone to follow. With everybody's hard work, especially, the horse (Boxer) and the donkey (Benjamin), there is a system in the farm and yields improve. The leaders, the pigs, try to educate the animals. After the demise of Old Major, there is a power struggle between Snowball and Napoleon (both pigs). Snowball is actually sincere with progress. He proposes the erection of a windmill.
Over time, the pigs become the ruling class with special privileges. Napoleon, training his dogs, takes over the realm of leadership.
The initial 7 Commandments change over time. The workers' class feel shortchanged. They work relentlessly whilst the rulers living decadent and leisurely lives. The pigs, too, act more human like. They walk upright and indulge in alcohol bought in exchange for the produce from the farm.
In spite of their poor living conditions, Napoleon, their de-facto leader is feted for being a competent leader.
The animals, upon realising that the pigs were actually worse of then their human owners stage another revolution!
Interestingly, this is Britain's first theatrical animation film. It was financed by the CIA to counter the effect of communist influence in Continental Europe. The financiers took the liberty to modify the ending to suit the sensitivity of the times.
Over time, the pigs become the ruling class with special privileges. Napoleon, training his dogs, takes over the realm of leadership.The initial 7 Commandments change over time. The workers' class feel shortchanged. They work relentlessly whilst the rulers living decadent and leisurely lives. The pigs, too, act more human like. They walk upright and indulge in alcohol bought in exchange for the produce from the farm.
In spite of their poor living conditions, Napoleon, their de-facto leader is feted for being a competent leader.
The animals, upon realising that the pigs were actually worse of then their human owners stage another revolution!
Interestingly, this is Britain's first theatrical animation film. It was financed by the CIA to counter the effect of communist influence in Continental Europe. The financiers took the liberty to modify the ending to suit the sensitivity of the times.
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