Why so much hype?

good back-story, and good acting

As Good As It Gets

Blistering performances.

Admittedly this is somewhat nostalgic, because I have watched this short movie every Christmas for years, but I think that the message of this story can be applied to everyone regardless of religious beliefs. The story is somewhat saccharine, but the basic idea is that everyone has a role to play and deserves dignity in his or her life.A small donkey can no longer live with a farming family because cannot earn his keep; the donkey is playful and good spirited, but he is older and smaller than the other donkeys. The patriarch tells his son that the donkey must be sold, but when the son brings the donkey into town, the pair is ridiculed and mocked. The son loves the donkey and is hurt over all the abuse that they suffer. The redemption comes when they encounter a man seeking to purchase a donkey who shows them respect and kindness. This man is presumably Joseph, from the Christian nativity story. He needs the donkey in order to transport his pregnant wife to Bethlehem. The point is that despite his meager appearance, this donkey will play an important role in history. Although the story directly relates to the Christian nativity, some of the main ideas should be relevant to every person. Each individual deserves dignity. Everyone has their place, and kindness should be shown to everyone. As I have said, the story is a bit saccharine, but there is a point to it all. I think this is a movie that can warm everyone's heart, regardless of religious beliefs.

I remember watching this movie all year long -- not only at Christmas. I am sure that my first experience with this movie was at Christmas, as we recorded it off of the Disney Channel. My siblings and I loved this movie, loved watching this movie, and as adults, still do.The tale of a boy who loved the old donkey, "small one," as his best friend is a sweet and touching one. He goes to town to sell his donkey, only to find that no one wants Small One to love as he does. Finally, a miracle brings Joseph to the young boy, and Small One finds his greatest task of all.Even thinking of this movie brings a smile to my face. The allusion to the birth of Christ are a blessing, and we enjoyed this movie all year round.

it's a Christmas story!!! It's a story that is being told not blatant propaganda. No mention of who the stranger who buys Small One is. It's alluded to but never stated. Christmas movies have this strange tendency to be about, of all things, Christmas.It's a sweet story about a boy and his love for an animal that is no longer of use to the family. He's trying desperately to find a home for this donkey he loves so very much. In the end the Donkey finds that he has his most important job ahead of him.This is a childhood favorite along with the story of Nestor (another donkey related children's Christmas flick).Basically, if you like Christmas and the stories surrounding it, you'll love the story. If you don't believe in Christmas, it's not for you.

I am a person who is not usually moved by films, especially cartoons, but this one brings tears to my eyes even now as I write this review. I can remember watching it in fourth grade, bawling my eyes out, and I still cry every year when I watch it. It is a classic film that is a must-see for all ages. It transcends religion and is truly a story about friendship and sacrifice. The Small One is a film that can teach everyone its simple lesson.