A few days ago my siblings and I watched Christopher Robin again for the first time in a while. I remember loving this movie back when it came out, but it’s been several years since I’ve last seen it.
The movie takes place a long while after the stories of the 100 Acre Woods. Christopher Robin is now a grown man with a wife and daughter, and a job that takes up nearly all of his time. But then Pooh appears into his life again, and suddenly things start to change. At first he’s not eager to return to the adventures from his childhood and tries to get rid of Pooh again as quickly as possible. But experiencing the things from his old life eventually has a positive effect on him and his relationships with his family.
Sweet to Bittersweet
The special thing about this movie is the way it hints back to the original stories that so many people love in a way that’s both sweet and bittersweet.
At the very beginning of the movie there is a scene with all of the characters, including Christopher Robin when he was a boy. They’re having a party, and though it’s sad (because they know Christopher Robin will be leaving soon), it’s mostly a sweet image that lingers in your mind for the rest of the movie, reminding you of all the special times that were had in the 100 Acre Woods.
When the movie jumps forward to Christopher Robin being all grown up and having nearly forgotten about his childhood, suddenly the sweetness takes on bitterness. Seeing all of the ways he’s grown up and left his boyhood behind him is not only sad, it’s also thought provoking. The silly phrases seem of greater importance, and Pooh’s steady, honey loving character has grown more thoughtful. 🙂
Reading the Books
The movie takes place after the books do, but it only makes them more delightful and meaningful. I appreciate the fact that it adds to the story and gives you a new perspective to read the books through. After watching the movie I’ll not just enjoy to pleasant adventures of the animals in the 100 Acre Woods, I’ll also be able to think of them as the sacred memories of a child.
I adore books that shed a new, thoughtful light on childhood, especially those that don’t neglect to mention the stages of growing out of childhood. While the Winnie the Pooh books are rooted in the child-likeness of play and imagination, the movie gives the broader view of what comes after. It gives me a much greater appreciation of the stories as a whole, and I’m very much looking forward to returning to the books for another read in the near future.
Final Thoughts
Watching this movie again reminded me of how much I adore the Winnie the Pooh stories. I can’t wait to reread the books now, which I’ll hopefully be able to do soon! 🙂
Now I’d love to hear from you! Have you seen Christopher Robin? Have you read the books? What are your thoughts?
P.S.
A quick note on the image for this post. It reminded me of the scene in the movie where all the characters are sitting together enjoying the view, and also where they had a picnic together at the end of the movie. Does anyone else see it?
For the Love of Stories 
I grew up reading and listening to the Winnie the Pooh books and this movie is a firm favourite! 🧸🍯😊
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They’re truly delightful!
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I adore that movie (and the animated Pooh movie from 2011 was just as sweet.) Funny enough, I haven’t read the first book until just recently *oops*. But I can see why it’s so beloved. A.A Milne is such a clever writer, and Disney has somewhat stayed true to the original characters.
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Yes, I agree very much. And I love how you pointed out that the movies stayed pretty similar to the books. 🙂
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Aside from Christopher Robin, do you have a favorite full-animated Pooh film?
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Oh, I think I’d have to say Pooh’s Heffalump Movie. That’s the one I remember the best. Do you have a favorite?
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Ah, that’s a good one; I’d say either that one or the 2011 movie.
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