The Candlemaker (1957) User Reviews

Beautifully animated and touching if a bit heavy on the moralising

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 2 May 2016]

'The Candlemaker' is another Christmas cartoon that isn't among my favourites, but nonetheless made for a good watch.

It has been commented upon that 'The Candlemaker' gets too preachy. This is a criticism that this reviewer also shares, the points the cartoon makes are very good important ones and do have impact but the moralising aspect is emphasised too much in places, and the very direct narration (which was otherwise very distinguishably voiced and delivered) adds to this notion.

Also agree that, at 13 minutes, 'The Candlemaker' is a touch too long and the there are some draggy moments pacing-wise, giving the impression that the story was stretched longer than necessary.

On the other hand, 'The Candlemaker' is very beautifully animated, it's quaint, vibrant, intricately detailed and meticulously drawn, making it very visually appealing. The music is also an ideal fit, with nicely arranged renditions some recognisable Christmas tunes, lush orchestration and understated and sometimes sombre but gorgeous melodic writing.

The narration is thoughtful and distinguished in delivery, if admittedly direct, while the story is charming and touching with a lovely Christmas atmosphere. Characters carry the narrative more than ably.

All in all, beautifully animated and touching, but the preachy complaint is understandable and it was true for me at times too. 7/10 Bethany Cox

When considering the merits of this picture . . .

[pixrox1 · 5/10 · 23 September 2023]

. . . it's important to remember that there are good Lute Runs and bad Lute Runs, as is the case with Cathode Licks and most other sects. When you view THE CANDLE-MAKER, it becomes increasingly clear that it emanates from the bad Lute Runs. Designed to browbeat congregants during tithing drives, CANDLE-MAKER does a grave disservice to Man and Rodent alike. There are few things that mice enjoy bolting down more than candles made from real animal fat, such as those depicted in this film. Therefore, NO candle-maker in the history of the profession has allowed a family member to harbor a pet rodent in his workshop! It would be the same as a carpenter keeping termite colonies in his wood shop.

Not good

[Sober-Friend · 5/10 · 30 March 2017]

The film is set at Christmas time. The narrator starts out with:

Many years ago, before there were any automobiles and before we had electricity or even gas lighting and when people used horses if they wanted to go out for a ride and oil lamps and candles if they needed a light, there lived in a small country town, yes, a butcher, a baker, and a candlestick-maker. With just over a week to go before Christmas, the townspeople were busy indeed and none more so than the candle maker and his young son, Tom.

The animation is okay but the story is too preachy and its target audience of children will lose interest fast.

lovely animation

[Vincentiu · 5 February 2013]

a religious story. nice, touching and moralistic. almost naive but in a profound manner. a lesson about responsibility and duty, about to be part of central event and, sure, about friendship. a lovely film. like drawing of cloudy mountains, with feeling of first snow , taste of milk cup and full of many delicate memories. it can be a propaganda instrument. in a little measure because it remains fresh and convincing. and this is its fundamental virtue. so, space of joy. nothing else. not Christianity "ad usum delphini" but precise way to remember the essence of a root of joy. the emotion. the feeling. and the role as basis for our life.

Beats You Over the Head With Its Message Too Much

[Michael_Elliott · 30 November 2012]

The Candlemaker (1957)

** (out of 4)

Decent animated film that's main goal is to spread to word of Jesus. The film takes place, as the narrator says, before cars or electricity. The important jobs in a small town were the butcher and the candlemaker. It's a week before Christmas and the candlemaker in town gives the most important job to his young son. The son then must create two candles that will appear in the local church. I think for the target audience this here is going to be enjoyed. I don't mind films that have major religious overtones but I just don't like being preached at. This film goes way over-the-top in the preaching department and at times the film beats its message over the viewers head. There's no question that the film has a good message to be told and this message was strong enough to where we didn't need the preaching. With that said, for the most part the animation was quite nice and the film was certainly put together well. At 13-minutes it ran on a bit too long but again, those target members of the crowd will certainly enjoy it.