The Small One
The Small One

The Small One

1978Movie26 minEnglish

Ordered by his father to sell an old mule called Small One, a Hebrew boy in the ancient Holy Land takes the donkey to the Jerusalem market. Finding no buyers there, the boy is about to give up when he meets a kind man named Joseph, who buys Small One and uses the steed to take his pregnant wife Mary to Bethlehem.

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Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Don BluthGenres: Animation, Family, Christmas

Plot Summary

This animated short tells the story of a young boy named Joseph who is tasked with selling his beloved donkey, which he affectionately calls "Small One." The donkey is old and has a limp, making it difficult to sell. Joseph faces the challenge of finding a buyer, all while contemplating the inevitable separation from his cherished companion.

Critical Reception

The Small One was generally well-received for its heartwarming story and beautiful animation. It's often praised as a touching and gentle precursor to the more elaborate works of Don Bluth.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its charming and emotional narrative.
  • Appreciated for its classic animation style.
  • Considered a poignant holiday short film.

Google audience: Audience reception for The Small One is largely positive, with many viewers finding it to be a sweet and touching holiday story that evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Its simple yet effective storytelling resonates well with families.

Fun Fact

This short film was Don Bluth's directorial debut, and it was originally intended to be a feature-length film before being scaled down to a short.

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