Linnea in Monet's Garden

Starring:Linnea in Monet's Garden
Studio: First Run Features
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

A heartwarming film for adults too!.......2007-01-16

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!

Great for young kids........2006-03-22

We had to watch this in art class this year. Being 11, the majority of us talked or stared at the wall while watching it but I watched it. I thought it was cute, good for younger ages. But very good to watch if your kid likes art. I had no idea of this, but it's dubbed from French. I thought Linnea was Swedish....

A Meditation.......2004-04-29

April 28, 2004

I first came upon this charming short in the Children's Room of the Donnell Library, part of the NYPL. I was intrigued by a film for children explaining Monet, one of the harder artists to explain in art appreciation terms for young people. I was not disappointed.

This short from Sweden with English-language dubbing has a number of subtle qualities: a mediation on a well-known but elusive artist and his life; the relationship between Linnea, a curious and sometimes feisty child of about 9 or 10, and her upstairs neighbor, the kindly Mr. Bloom (Blomquist in Swedish), just the right friend and mentor a young person should have to introduce them to art, and on the French countryside they encounter at Giverny, a character in itself. Unusual and charming, Linnea could be introduced to other artists in future films but then the style and content might become formulaic. Better to leave them both in Monet's Garden. The animation is quiet and unobstrusive and would be good to introduce American children to, accustomed to more fast-moving and louder styles.

A Lovely Alternative to "Scary Movies".......2002-12-11

My sons (3 & 6 years old) both like this movie and have watched it many times. They are active children, but do not watch much TV and are not comfortable with the violence on many videos such as many of the Disney ones. We have several of these movies which they call "scary" and refuse to watch unless a parent is right there. The boys prefer this movie (along with a few others like veggie tales) and both sit still for it. It has sparked some interesting conversations not only about art but also about travel, geography, and languages.

If you and your children prefer a bunch of bells and whistles (or fights and explosions) this is not the video for you. But if you want something different, something lovely without being too sweet or annoying, this is a good choice.

Used for 3rd graders.......2002-11-25

I use this video in an "Arts Alive" presentation I do for third graders. I have used it for 3 years and it is VERY well received by the classes. It really brings Monet's paintings alive and shows them that art still lives. It is a combo of cartoon story, still photos of Monet's works and live-action video of his home in Giverny. A perfect choice for any school arts program of a great video for kids of any age.

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