Return to the Hundred Acre Woods

“Christopher Robin” brings out childlike joy in multiple generations

Winnie the Pooh is one of the most beloved characters in literary history. With its release in 1926, for almost 100 years parents have continued to share the story that was such a large part of their childhood with their children. But when Christopher Robin was debuted, the story was not the standard story of the hundred acre woods that many students had grown up loving.

The movie, set after the first World War and follows Christopher Robin, a struggling businessman and neglectful father. When his job is threatened, an old friend travels into the real world from the hundred acre woods to lend a hand.  

When I entered the theater, I was amazed by the number of families, leaving no empty seats, even a month after the debut. With the movie beginning, the excitement could be felt in the air. Although the intro followed the young Christopher Robin we all know and love, tears pooled in my eyes as his final goodbyes were said to his childhood friends before being sent to boarding school. Although this scene was to for expositional purposes, it clearly illustrated the truth of maturing and the joy of childhood that is sacrificed with it.

The movie continues and Christopher forgets of the joy that was felt so clearly in his life. With images of war, falling in love, and adulthood flashing before my eyes, the movie dealt with themes far deeper than I could have possibly imagined.

Although the movie touched on heavy topics such as loneliness, the importance of work in comparison to family, as well the truth behind growing old and leaving childhood joy behind, it still remained light hearted and filled with optimism. The movie was an exciting family adventure that hits close to home for the adult audience and remains fun and exciting for young families.