One of Disney's finest motion pictures, extremely underrated and forgotten to a pulp. Kurt Russell, Mickey Rooney and even Corey Feldman all give their talent to this story of a fox and a hound who become friends, only to turn on themselves in later years because they are expected to. Not only is the film engaging, but it also has a metaphorical story going on. I understand it is supposed to represent humans and racism, but apart from the preachiness of it all the film is quite good on the level of a whole. A definite must-see. The ending is bittersweet and at many times during the film you will actually start to feel for these creatures. On a sidenote, I used to have a dog just like the one in this movie. It was just like the one in this film.

**** 1/2 out of *****

I really like this movie. The only real drawback I have with it is that despite the lovely incidental music, the opening credits were a bit too long. Another drawback is that the adult animals aren't quite as compelling as the child animals in terms of written quality. Despite these qualms, this still an immensely charming and beautifully animated film. The animation is beautiful, full of rich and colourful backgrounds, that aren't quite as good as Lion King and Bambi, though the bear is a triumph of character animation. The songs are heartfelt, especially "Best of Friends", but they aren't showstoppers like the ones in Beauty and the Beast. I had no problem with the voice talents. Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, Jeannette Nolan, Jack Albertson, (Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory)Pat Buttram and Paul Winchell bring their really cute characters to life in the equally charming story of ever-lasting friendship. I will say I found the ending when Copper saves Tod's life and vice versa very moving, as well as the scenes in the forest-Widow Tweed taking leave of Tod is a real tearjerker. It did actually show that friendship isn't always forever, which is true to some extent, but loyalty is. I have heard complaints about Boomer and his friends slowing the film down, but I honestly thought their antics were really funny, and actually added to the charm that the film already had. This was one of my favourites, and still moves me, but in conclusion to me now, it is a charming film that is vastly underrated. 8/10 Bethany Cox

First of all, the critical issue here is the way we treat one another based on things we can't control. Tod and Copper were born to be enemies, but as little ones ignored all that. But as they grew they were forced to forget their empathy. It's truly sad how we often treat one another based on the superficial. The downside, if one wants to take this seriously, is that these are natural adversaries, and in the natural setting, would not hesitate to kill. One could say that Disney's pairing of them is a bit unfair. Even in a Biblical sense, people and animals carry labels, and, in some circumstances, it is said that it's the way things are. But I think the former message prevails here. This is a good film for young children to absorb that sense of the clash of differences which can be deadly.