← Back to results
Valiant
2005 76 min United Kingdom, United States of America G 12+
★5.3
Family, Animation, Adventure, Comedy, War
Director: Gary Chapman
Trailers
Description
Set in 1944, Valiant is a woodland pigeon who wants to become a great hero someday. When he hears they are hiring recruits for the Royal Homing Pigeon Service, he immediately sets out for London. On the way, he meets a smelly but friendly pigeon named Bugsy, who joins him, mainly to get away from clients he cheated in a game of find-the pebble, and helps him sign up for the war.
Budget:
$35M
US Gross:
$19.48M
Worldwide:
$61.75M
Starring
Ewan McGregor
Actor
Ricky Gervais
Actor
Tim Curry
Actor
Awards
2 nominations total
Key opinion
Valiant is a modest but well-intentioned British animated film that succeeds as simple family entertainment despite its derivative plot and uneven humor. While some critics praise its unique WWII premise and solid voice acting, others find the script clichéd and the tonal balance between mature themes and crude gags awkward.
| Acting | The voice cast, featuring acclaimed actors like Tim Curry and John Cleese, elevates the material with strong, memorable performances. | |
| Production | The animation meets industry standards for the time, providing bright, appealing visuals that effectively serve the story. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative relies heavily on tired tropes and a predictable structure that fails to leave a lasting impact. | |
| Humor | The humor is polarizing, with some finding the slapstick and crude jokes grating, while others appreciate the lighter, family-friendly tone. | |
| Theme | The film occupies a strange middle ground, where its WWII backdrop and potential for sophisticated storytelling are undermined by its persistent childishness. |