![Linnea in Monet's Garden [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51H12XEA5ZL._SL160_.jpg)
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Lena Anderson and Christina Bjork have turned their popular children's book into a charming, simply animated introduction to the work of Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Linnea, a vibrant little Swedish girl, is intrigued by the paintings of gardens she sees in a book in the home of her friend, Mr. Bloom. Together they go to Paris, where they visit the Marmottan, a little-known museum with an exceptional collection of Monets. Linnea discovers the familiar paintings are just "blobs and smears" up close, but become recognizable flowers when seen at the proper distance. Mr. Bloom explains that Monet sought to suggest the play of light on water and foliage, rather than recording it in detail. The next day, they make their pilgrimage to Giverny, to walk amid the scenery Monet painted. Linnea is bright and well-mannered but never priggish; her relationship with Mr. Bloom suggests mutual affection and respect. The animation itself is fairly minimal--comparable to Saturday morning cartoons--but the story and well-photographed paintings make up for its limits. Linnea could easily be expanded into a series that would teach children about the life and work of other important artists. --Charles Solomon
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Reviews:
Art appreciation for children
"Linnea in Monet's Garden" is the animated version of Lena Anderson's and Christina Bjork's children's book. It introduces children to the fascinating field of art appreciation. Linnea is a Swedish girl who loves to browse through the art books owned by her neighbor Mr. Bloom. She is especially fascinated by the Claude Monet garden paintings and wishes she could see the actual garden and paintings. Before they know it, Linnea and Mr. Bloom are on their way to France, where they visit both the museum which holds Monet's paintings as well as the beautifully landscaped Monet garden.
This DVD is part animation, part still life, and also actual video footage of the garden. The colors can be a bit muted, not as vivid and bright (and garish) as some recent animated features but it is an engaging feature nevertheless. I think young children need to be accompanied by parents or a teacher when watching this as some parts may require explanation. I watched this with my 4.5 year-old and she had plenty of questions for me throughout the presentation. A great way to cultivate art appreciation in children! Oh, the total running time is about 30 minutes, just right for young children with brief attention spans:)
Very sweet
This animated movie is based on the popular children's picture book. The story's pace is charmingly slow and gentle, as Linnea (voiced by Erin Torpey) talks with her grandfatherly friend, Mr. Bloom (played by Sam Gray). They take a plane journey to Paris, France (Linnea and Mr. Bloom are both Swedish). There, they delight in seeing views of Notre Dame, visiting the Marmaton, a French museum featuring Monet's art, and finally, visiting his house and gardens in Giverny. As they look on at the flowers in the garden, the animation is cut with live action footage of Monet's environs, as well as photos from the period and stills of Monet's works.
Linnea in Monet's Garden is quite educational, casually dropping in many facts about Monet's life, as well as information about France, museums, and travel. In particular, the film does a wonderful job of explaining to very young children how museums will typically have rules to follow, and how different museums might each have different rules. As such, it would be ideal viewing in preparation for a class field trip. The film does not carry an MPAA rating, but it is clearly designed for a young audience and would probably be rated G. It is a short film, only thirty minutes, and although it might be best suited for children from ages four to eight, it could also be used in high school art classes as a fun introduction to Monet and Impressionism.
beautiful
This is more than a childs video. It transcends all ages. Beautifully done and good for introducing young people to art.
Recommended
This is exactly the sort of DVD I wanted for my kids. No violence, no lowbrow humor, no hyperactive pacing, no obnoxiously noisy soundtrack that attempts to artificially excite the ADD generation of children. The artwork is beautiful, the soundtrack matches it perfectly, and the storyline isn't addicted to the usual tedium of marching the viewer through one predictable cliffhanger after another. This is a film of discovery rather than adversity. I rate this with as many stars as there are to give.
A heartwarming film for adults too!
This film is precious and will help you appreciate Monet's art even more. Part of the "animation" includes real life photographs of Monet's paintings and his home which is a museum now. The conversations and experiences of the young girl and her elderly friend are touchingly realistic and often humorous. The background music is also delightful. Now, I long to go to France if only for a picnic and a tour of Monet's garden!
