Between 1986 (starting with 'Santabear's First Christmas', very good) and 1994 (ending with 'The Lion and the Lamb', outstanding), Rabbit Ears Productions produced seven Holiday Classics adaptations. The most popular holiday was Christmas, with there being only two Thanksgiving Holiday Classics and no Halloween ones. 1993's 'The Song of Sacajawea' is one of the two Thanksgiving ones, the other being 'Squanto and the First Thanksgiving'.
'The Song of Sacajawea' is the lesser known of the two Thanksgiving Holiday Classics adaptations, but to me it is actually the better of the two. With it being easier to invest in emotionally and being more consistently involving. It is not one of the best Holiday Classics adaptations, with it not being on the same level as 'The Lion and the Lamb' or 'A Gingerbread Christmas' or one of the best Rabbit Ears Productions, but it is well worth watching.
Did feel that the pacing was a little on the too deliberate side at times, especially in the very slight early portions.
Otherwise, there is nothing really to dislike. Was immediately struck by the very art sketch book like visuals, reminded me of the drawings of a younger friend who has an immense beyond her years talent for very vivid drawings of humans and animals. Especially the look of Sacajawea herself. David Lindley's music is also beautiful and suitably haunting, appreciated that it was not used constantly and the use of nature-like sound effects at times enhanced the atmosphere.
Laura Dern's narration is very soothing and inviting, as well as gently noble, with more variety in vocal inflection and pace than Graham Greene in 'Squanto and the First Thanksgiving'. The prose is honest, well meaning and never awkward, while never talking down to either children or adults. It is also never too complicated for the former or too juvenile for the latter.
Much of the story is poignantly and charmingly done, the spirit of Thanksgiving is intriguingly and beautifully captured and the titular character is relatable.
Concluding, very well done. 8/10.
'The Song of Sacajawea' is the lesser known of the two Thanksgiving Holiday Classics adaptations, but to me it is actually the better of the two. With it being easier to invest in emotionally and being more consistently involving. It is not one of the best Holiday Classics adaptations, with it not being on the same level as 'The Lion and the Lamb' or 'A Gingerbread Christmas' or one of the best Rabbit Ears Productions, but it is well worth watching.
Did feel that the pacing was a little on the too deliberate side at times, especially in the very slight early portions.
Otherwise, there is nothing really to dislike. Was immediately struck by the very art sketch book like visuals, reminded me of the drawings of a younger friend who has an immense beyond her years talent for very vivid drawings of humans and animals. Especially the look of Sacajawea herself. David Lindley's music is also beautiful and suitably haunting, appreciated that it was not used constantly and the use of nature-like sound effects at times enhanced the atmosphere.
Laura Dern's narration is very soothing and inviting, as well as gently noble, with more variety in vocal inflection and pace than Graham Greene in 'Squanto and the First Thanksgiving'. The prose is honest, well meaning and never awkward, while never talking down to either children or adults. It is also never too complicated for the former or too juvenile for the latter.
Much of the story is poignantly and charmingly done, the spirit of Thanksgiving is intriguingly and beautifully captured and the titular character is relatable.
Concluding, very well done. 8/10.