Bambi: A Life i The Woods (PG)

Michel Fessler brings a fresh vision to Felix Salten’s 1923 classic with a beautifully shot, documentary-style retelling that blends nature’s realism with the timeless charm of Bambi’s story.

Using Daniel Meyer’s stunning cinematography, the film avoids overly anthropomorphising its woodland cast, letting the natural behaviour of deer, birds, and other forest creatures speak for itself. Narrated with warmth by Mylène Farmer, the tale unfolds as both an engaging adventure for children and a captivating study of the wild for adults.

From his first unsteady steps, Bambi learns the rhythms and dangers of the forest. Staying close to his mother, he befriends fellow fawns and encounters an array of wildlife from playful raccoons to soaring eagles. The film subtly conveys the interdependence of all woodland life, while also addressing the threats posed by human activity. Laurent Perez Del Mar’s lively score adds colour without overwhelming the natural soundscape.

As seasons shift and Bambi matures, the film captures the cycle of life with tenderness and clarity. Balancing gentle storytelling with authentic natural imagery, Fessler’s adaptation feels both classic and fresh. It’s a celebration of biodiversity told through the eyes of one very memorable deer.