Bambi 2: The Great Prince of the Forest is a heartwarming and engaging sequel to the classic Disney animation, Bambi, released in 2006.
This direct-to-video midquel, directed by Brian Pimental, brings back the beloved characters from the original film while introducing a new generation of fans to the beauty of the forest and its inhabitants.
Based on the book “Bambi, a Life in the Woods” by Felix Salten, the story continues to explore the life of Bambi and his journey into adulthood.
In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into the world of Bambi 2 and uncover book summaries, movie summaries, character guides, trivia, and much more.
Whether you are a long-time fan or new to Bambi’s world, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about this enchanting sequel.
Book Summary and Comparison to the Movie
Felix Salten’s book, “Bambi, a Life in the Woods,” is the original source material for both Bambi and Bambi 2: The Great Prince of the Forest.
The book is a coming-of-age story about a young deer named Bambi and his experiences growing up in the forest.
The novel delves into themes of survival, friendship, and the importance of family.
While the first Bambi film stays relatively true to the book, the sequel introduces new elements and characters, such as Bambi’s father, the Great Prince, taking a more active role in his son’s life.
In the book, the Great Prince is a distant figure who occasionally offers guidance to young Bambi but is not a central character.
The movie also focuses more on Bambi’s friendships with Thumper, Flower, and other forest creatures, providing a lighter, more family-friendly tone than the original book.
Despite these differences, both the book and the movie successfully convey the beauty and wonder of the natural world, as well as the importance of love, friendship, and family.
Movie Summary, Plot, and Timeline
Bambi 2: The Great Prince of the Forest takes place within the timeline of the original Bambi film, between the death of Bambi’s mother and his eventual growth into adulthood.
The movie centers on Bambi’s relationship with his father, the Great Prince, who must now raise his son alone after the tragic death of Bambi’s mother.
The story follows Bambi as he learns valuable life lessons from his father and friends, including the importance of courage, responsibility, and the bond between a father and son.
Along the way, Bambi encounters various challenges, such as facing his fears and contending with a rival fawn named Ronno.
In the end, Bambi grows into a strong and confident young deer, ready to take on the mantle of the Great Prince and protect the forest and its inhabitants from danger.
Parent Guide and Age-appropriate Considerations
Bambi 2: The Great Prince of the Forest is a family-friendly film that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages.
However, parents should be aware of some potentially emotional scenes, such as the death of Bambi’s mother and moments where Bambi faces danger.
Overall, Bambi 2 is an age-appropriate and heartwarming story that teaches valuable life lessons about family, friendship, and personal growth. It is a film that families can enjoy together, sparking meaningful conversations about the themes presented in the story.
Film Locations and Travel Guide
While Bambi 2: The Great Prince of the Forest is an animated film and does not have real-life locations that can be visited, the beauty and wonder of the forest setting can be experienced by exploring nature in various locations around the world.
National parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries offer families the opportunity to connect with the natural world and possibly even spot deer and other forest creatures like those in Bambi 2. Some notable locations to consider include in CaliforniaYosemite National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, or Banff National Park in Canada.
These locations provide visitors with the chance to see stunning landscapes, majestic wildlife, and the beauty of nature up close.
They offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse oneself in the peacefulness and serenity of the forest.
Who’s Who: Character Guides and Descriptions
Bambi 2: The Great Prince of the Forest features a cast of beloved characters from the original film, as well as new characters introduced in the sequel. Here is a guide to some of the main characters and their roles in the story:
- Bambi: The protagonist of the story, a young deer who must learn to navigate the world without his mother and with the guidance of his father, the Great Prince.
- Great Prince: Bambi’s father and the protector of the forest. He takes on a more active role in his son’s life in this film.
- Thumper: A lively and energetic rabbit who becomes Bambi’s closest friend.
- Flower: A shy and gentle skunk who is one of Bambi’s closest friends.
- Ronno: A rival fawn who challenges Bambi for dominance and the affections of Faline, a doe.
- Faline: A young doe who is the object of Bambi and Ronno’s affections.
Memorable Quotes from Bambi 2
Bambi 2: The Great Prince of the Forest is full of poignant and memorable quotes that capture the essence of the story’s themes and characters. Here are a few of the most memorable lines:
- “Your mother can’t be with you anymore. Remember, Bambi, everyone part of the forest is born, has a purpose, and when that purpose is served, they move on. Even trees.”
- “Being brave doesn’t mean you go looking for trouble.”
- “I‘m not afraid of you. I’m not afraid of anything.”
- “You don’t have to be afraid of me. I’m your friend.”
- “You can’t help who you love, Bambi. You just love them.”
The Soundtrack by Bruce Broughton
Bambi 2: The Great Prince of the Forest features a beautiful and evocative score by composer Bruce Broughton.
The music complements the film’s themes of nature, family, and personal growth, capturing the beauty and wonder of the forest setting.
Some standout tracks from the soundtrack include “The Healing of a Heart,” “There Is Life,” and “Through Your Eyes.”
The music adds an emotional and atmospheric element to the film, heightening the impact of key moments and enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Curiosities and Trivia
Bambi 2: The Great Prince of the Forest is full of interesting and surprising facts and trivia. Here are a few to consider:
- The film was originally intended to be released in theaters but was ultimately released direct-to-video.
- The voice of Bambi was provided by Alexander Gould, who also voiced Nemo in Finding Nemo.
- The film was dedicated to the memory of Timothy S. Turner, who served as the supervising animator for the original Bambi film.
- The character of Ronno was originally intended to be a female deer but was changed to a male for the sake of the story.
- The film features a post-credits scene that teases a possible sequel featuring a grown-up Bambi.
Tips for Bambi 2 Cosplay and Dressing Like the Characters
Bambi 2: The Great Prince of the Forest provides ample inspiration for cosplay and dressing up as the beloved characters from the film. Here are a few tips for bringing these characters to life:
- Bambi: Dress in brown and white clothing, and consider adding antlers or ears to your costume. A deer nose and face paint can also complete the look.
- Thumper: Wear a white rabbit onesie or costume, and accessorize with long ears, a pink nose, and a fluffy tail.
- Flower: Dress in black and white clothing, and consider adding a skunk tail and ears to your costume. A black and white face paint can also complete the look.
Felix Salten: Biography and Other Works
Felix Salten, the author of the original Bambi book, was an Austrian writer and journalist born in 1869. He is best known for his works of fiction, including Bambi and its sequel Bambi’s Children, as well as Perri and The Hound of Florence.
Salten’s writing often focused on animals and the natural world, exploring themes of survival, friendship, and the relationship between humans and nature.
His work has had a lasting impact on children’s literature and continues to inspire readers of all ages.
Brian Pimental: Other Media and Projects
Brian Pimental, the director of Bambi 2: The Great Prince of the Forest, has worked on numerous other projects throughout his career.
He served as a storyboard artist and animator on several Disney films, including Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King.
Pimental also directed the animated film The Tigger Movie and worked as a storyboard artist on the television series My Friends Tigger & Pooh.
His work has been praised for its warmth, humor, and heart, making him a beloved figure in the world of animation.
Bambi 2 Ending Explained
The ending of Bambi 2: The Great Prince of the Forest sees Bambi having grown into a strong and confident young deer, ready to take on the mantle of the Great Prince and protect the forest and its inhabitants.
The final scene shows Bambi and his father standing together, looking out over the forest and embracing their bond as father and son.
The ending is a powerful and emotional conclusion to the story, emphasizing the importance of family, friendship, and personal growth.
It also sets the stage for a possible sequel featuring a grown-up Bambi, as hinted at in the post-credits scene.
Remakes, Sequels, and Spin-Offs
Bambi 2: The Great Prince of the Forest is just one of many adaptations and spin-offs based on Felix Salten‘s original book.
The first Bambi film was released in 1942 and has since become a beloved classic of animated cinema.
There have been several other adaptations and spin-offs over the years, including a live-action remake currently in development.
The story of Bambi and his friends has captivated audiences for generations and continues to inspire new adaptations and interpretations.
Similar Media to Bambi and Bambi 2
If you enjoyed Bambi and Bambi 2: The Great Prince of the Forest, there are several other films and books that you might enjoy. Here are a few recommendations:
- The Jungle Book: Another classic Disney film based on a beloved book, this story follows the adventures of a young boy raised by wolves in the jungle.
- Watership Down: A novel by Richard Adams about a group of rabbits searching for a new home, this book explores themes of survival, friendship, and the importance of community.
- The Lion King: Another classic Disney film, this story follows the journey of a young lion named Simba as he grows into adulthood and takes his place as king of the Pride Lands.
Book Club Discussion Questions
If you are reading Felix Salten’s original book, “Bambi, a Life in the Woods,” with your book club, here are a few discussion questions to consider:
- What themes does the book explore, and how are they relevant to modern-day readers?
- Which character do you relate to the most, and why?
- What is the role of nature in the story, and how does it impact the characters?
- How does the book compare to the first Bambi film and its sequel, Bambi 2: The Great Prince of the Forest?
- What lessons can we learn from the book, and how can we apply them to our own lives?
Video Games Featuring Bambi and Bambi 2 Characters
There are several video games featuring Bambi and his friends that fans of the franchise might enjoy. Here are a few to consider:
- Bambi: The video game: Released in 2006 to coincide with the release of Bambi 2, this game follows the story of the film and allows players to control Bambi and his friends in various mini-games and challenges.
- Disney Infinity: Bambi and his friends are playable characters in this popular video game series, which features various Disney and Pixar characters in an open-world adventure game.
- Kingdom Hearts: Bambi and his friends make an appearance in this popular role-playing game series, which combines characters from various Disney properties with original characters and storylines.
Conclusion and Lasting Impact of Bambi 2
Bambi 2: The Great Prince of the Forest is a beloved sequel to the classic Disney film, offering a heartwarming and engaging story that explores themes of family, friendship, and personal growth.
The film’s beautiful animation, memorable characters, and emotional storyline have made it a favorite of audiences of all ages.
From its origins in Felix Salten’s book “Bambi, a Life in the Woods” to its legacy in the world of animation and popular culture, the story of Bambi and his friends continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world.
Whether you are a longtime fan or new to Bambi’s world, this guide has provided you with everything you need to know about this enchanting sequel.
