The story of the selfish giant is in some ways as trite as can be, having been told umpteen times in many different forms. Wilde's original story revived the folk legends and re-pointed them for the sentimental Edwardian audience he was aiming at. His achievement as a storyteller is close to perfect in this tale.
Zander's reworking of the story, together with Ron Goodwin's music, make this into an animated film classic of the sentimental-morality-tale genre. As good in its own way as Disney's Pinocchio, it is a gem of the 1970's. Often overlooked in animated film histories, it is very hard to find nowadays (2006). See it (and hear it) if you get the chance.
Zander's reworking of the story, together with Ron Goodwin's music, make this into an animated film classic of the sentimental-morality-tale genre. As good in its own way as Disney's Pinocchio, it is a gem of the 1970's. Often overlooked in animated film histories, it is very hard to find nowadays (2006). See it (and hear it) if you get the chance.