Babe Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A pig avoids becoming bacon by learning manners and charming sheep, all while Farmer Hoggett does mundane farm stuff.

🍿 Babe: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Piglet’s Arrival

Arthur Hoggett, a gentle farmer, wins a piglet, later named Babe, at a county fair. Babe is taken back to Hoggett’s farm and placed in the barn, where he’s befriended by Fly, a Border Collie, and other animals. The farm is a microcosm of society with its own established hierarchy.

Learning the Ropes

Babe, under Fly’s maternal care, begins to learn the ways of the farm. He observes Fly and her husband Rex herding sheep and becomes fascinated by the task. Ferdinand the duck, who believes he is a rooster, adds comic relief and further integrates Babe into farm life. Babe’s kindness sets him apart.

A Different Kind of Herding

Farmer Hoggett notices Babe’s unusual ability to ‘talk’ to the sheep and begins to nurture this talent. Babe approaches the sheep with politeness and respect, a stark contrast to the forceful methods employed by Rex. This different approach yields surprising results, showcasing Babe’s unique potential.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Babe (Christine Cavanaugh): A kind-hearted piglet who defies expectations by learning to herd sheep with politeness and respect.
• Farmer Hoggett (James Cromwell): A gentle farmer who recognizes Babe’s unique talent and supports his unconventional path as a sheep-pig.
• Fly (Miriam Margolyes): A motherly border collie who becomes Babe’s mentor and teaches him the ways of sheep-herding.
• Rex (Hugo Weaving): A stern and initially jealous border collie who eventually accepts Babe and helps him succeed.
• Esme Hoggett (Magda Szubanski): Farmer Hoggett’s wife, who is initially skeptical of Babe but gradually warms up to him.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Farmer Hoggett: “That’ll do, pig. That’ll do.” – Said at the end of the sheepdog trial, signifying his acceptance and pride in Babe’s accomplishment; became the film’s catchphrase.
• Babe: “Baa-ram-ewe. Baa-ram-ewe. To your breed, your fleece, your clan be true. Sheep be true. Baa-ram-ewe.” – The password Rex gets from the sheep to help Babe herd them at the sheepdog trials; becomes a symbol of respect and understanding.
• Maa: “If you treat us with respect, we will treat you likewise.” – Maa speaks to Babe to explain how to herd the sheep by treating them kindly, not aggressively.
• Narrator: “Farmer Hoggett was one of those men who enjoys the sound of his own thoughts.” – This line captures Farmer Hoggett’s quiet, introspective nature and his connection with the animals on his farm.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $63,658,910
• Worldwide Gross: $254,134,910

💥 Babe Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Babe! It’s one of those movies that stays with you long after the credits roll. I remember watching it as a kid and being so moved by Babe’s determination and kindness. The scene where Farmer Hoggett sings to Babe? I still get a little teary-eyed! It’s a reminder that even the smallest among us can achieve great things and that kindness can go a long way. Seriously, if you need a feel-good movie night, this is it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families with young children”
  • “Animal lovers”
  • “Fans of heartwarming stories”
  • “Viewers seeking positive and uplifting films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief scenes of animal distress”
  • “Themes of animal slaughter (handled sensitively)”
  • “Some mild peril”

Professional Reviews

• Chicago Sun-Times: “A masterpiece of storytelling. The film’s message about kindness and acceptance is subtle but deeply impactful. The visuals and animal performances are seamless.
• Variety: “An enchanting family film with stunning special effects that allows animals to interact seamlessly. James Cromwell delivers a wonderfully understated performance.
• The New York Times: “A whimsical and heartwarming tale that transcends the typical talking-animal movie. It explores themes of ambition and compassion. The blend of animatronics and live-action creates a believable world.

Audience Reactions

The heartwarming story of Babe overcoming adversity and the unexpected bond with Farmer Hoggett.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s positive message, beautiful visuals, and emotional impact. The realistic animal interactions and James Cromwell’s performance are frequently highlighted.

I never expected a talking pig movie could affect me so deeply, beautiful and heartwarming story: Babe’s endearment wins the hearts of many, as the movie also delivers important lessons about equality.

Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and visually stunning family film that resonates with audiences of all ages, celebrating kindness, acceptance, and the power of believing in oneself.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Visual Effects)- 1996

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Over 500 animals were used during the filming, including 48 piglets to play Babe as he grew. Each piglet only worked for a short time to comply with animal welfare regulations.”
• “The film features remarkable animatronics and visual effects for its time, blending real animals with sophisticated puppetry to achieve the talking animal effects.”
• “James Cromwell, deeply moved by the film’s message, became a vegetarian during production and later a vegan, actively advocating for animal rights.”
• “The film was shot in Australia but intentionally avoids a specific geographical setting to create a timeless, universal fable.”

🖥️ How to Watch Babe?

Babe is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability as it may vary by region. Some platforms may offer a free trial period.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Babe, you might like these similar films:

• Charlotte’s Web (1973): Both films feature a pig as the central character who is destined for slaughter but saved through friendship and extraordinary abilities.
• Chicken Run (2000): Animals on a farm who dream of escaping their predictable lives with ingenuity and teamwork.
• The Black Stallion (1979): Features a similar theme of the bond between humans and animals.
• Paddington (2014): Both films center on a kind, innocent animal who navigates a human world with charm and positivity, learning valuable life lessons.

🛒 Babe Related Products

• Babe: Pig in the City (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]: A collector’s edition Blu-ray including both ‘Babe’ and ‘Babe: Pig in the City’ in high definition. It features behind-the-scenes content, deleted scenes, and interviews with the cast and crew. A perfect addition to any film enthusiast’s collection.
• Babe DVD: A DVD edition of this popular film. Great way to relive your childhood nostalgia.
• Babe Movie Poster: A poster of the movie’s artwork. Decorate a wall with nostalgia.
• That’ll Do, Pig. T-Shirt: A shirt featuring the movie’s famous quote. A perfect way to show you like the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Babe features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Symphony No. 3 Op. 78” – performed by Camille Saint-Saëns
• “If I Had Words” – performed by Saint-Saëns
• “Pizzicato” – performed by Léo Delibes

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe! (Official Lyric Video)

If you’re a fan of the movie or just love a good love song, you’ll definitely want to check out this lyric video. It’s a beautiful and moving tribute to the power of music and love.

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