The Selfish Giant (1972 film)

The Selfish Giant (1972 film) is a Canadian animated short film based on the Oscar Wilde story "The Selfish Giant". Produced by Potterton Productions and directed by Peter Sander, it depicts the classic tale of a giant who initially refuses to let children play in his beautiful garden, only to learn a valuable lesson about generosity and love.

The film generally adheres to the narrative of the original story. The giant returns from a seven-year visit with his cousin, the Cornish ogre, to find children playing in his garden. Angered, he builds a high wall to keep them out, resulting in perpetual winter in his garden. One day, he is awakened by the sound of a linnet singing and discovers that spring has returned, brought about by children sneaking into the garden through a hole in the wall. He sees a small boy struggling to climb a tree and helps him. Realizing his selfishness, the giant tears down the wall and allows the children to play freely.

As the years pass, the giant grows old, and one winter day, he sees the same little boy he had helped, now bearing the wounds of crucifixion. The giant, moved by compassion, goes to the boy, who tells him that these are the wounds of love, and that the giant can now come with him to paradise. The next day, the children find the giant lying dead under the tree, covered in white blossoms.

The film utilizes a distinctive animation style characterized by its simple character designs and watercolour-like backgrounds. This visual approach contributes to the film's overall tone of fable and innocence.

The Selfish Giant (1972 film) has been recognized for its faithful adaptation of Wilde's story and its poignant depiction of the themes of selfishness, repentance, and redemption.