Movie Review # 443: The Journey Of Natty Gaan (1985)

Ladies & gentlemen, tonight, I have a rather interesting surprise for you all. The reason why is that we shall be reviewing yet another live-action Disney film. In this case, however, it’s a more special review. Why? Well, much like The Rocketeer (which I had never heard of until last year), I had never heard of this particular Disney film until coming across it on Disney+ recently. Basically, what happened was I was searching for live-action, or even animated Jungle Book on Disney+, and, as I was doing so, this specific film began to pop up in the search area, or whatever you want to call it. So, I tried to make it a point to see it. After seeing it, here is my review for 1985’s The Journey Of Natty Gaan.

Plot: Set in 1935, during the time of the Great Depression, the story follows a girl named Natty Gaan (Meredith Salenger), who sets out to find her father (Ray Wise) after discovering from one of his letters that he got transferred to Washington state to work as a lumberjack. Will Natty be able to find her father in the end?

So, after seeing The Journey Of Natty Gaan, was it good? Well, while not quite one of Disney’s best films, this movie was a very fun watch. First of all, The Journey Of Natty Gaan doesn’t shy away from the fact that so many people suffered during this particular period of history. Man, can you imagine what life would have been like for any of us if we lived during the Great Depression? Well, this movie certainly gives a good depiction of that. It’s almost like you can have a certain feel of the difficulties of life back then. Next, there’s the cinematography. Oh, how these days are most likely dearly missed by some, if not all who grew up watching films that came out during times like the 1980s, 1990s, or even before, or shortly after. Movies like The Journey Of Natty Gaan are proof that Disney films released back then really showed how to capture the beauty of nature, especially in the wilderness, the culture of whatever this film was set around, how animals behaved, and things like that. Honestly, Disney should make a balance of releasing the remakes, and original stories like this, or just releasing live-action films that are original ideas altogether, or just based on other stories beside the Disney animated films of the past, you know? Anyway, the score by James Horner is surprisingly really, really good. I mean with films that he scored especially after this film, it’s almost like he has the same type of beat, and music with his score. In The Journey Of Natty Gaan, however, it seems to be a different story. Basically, not only does Horner seem to use his usual style of music, but he also seems to incorporate a Western type of feel in his music as well. You may find yourself loving the type of instruments that are used throughout this film. Also, the acting is excellent. I was surprised to find that people that would later play in shows like 24, or popular films like My Big Fat Greek Wedding, for instance, would end up being in this film beforehand as well. What’s even more is that the film seems to avoid sole cliches that have seemed to be common in the world of Disney, and maybe even in films outside of Disney. So bravo to the makers of this film for doing that! Finally, the film does well with incorporating very good lessons in this film, especially with lessons about not giving up on your dreams, and letting others go when necessary.

And that’s all the good things there. Now, you may be wondering if there are any flaws in this film, yes? Well, there are at least a couple. First of all, sole of the minor characters were at least okay. They’re not bad. Somehow, I may have to wrap my fiber around it, but some of them that were not the main characters seemed to be a little full, you know? What’s more is that you may find yourself puzzled when Natty makes some decisions that, let’s just say might be a little confusing to the viewers as a result, you know? Finally, this film may have ended it’s run a little too soon. Oh, you’ll find yourself satisfied. Still, you may also find yourself not satisfied as well, you know?

And that’s my review for The Journey Of Natty Gaan. If you still have yet to see the film, either watch it on Disney+, or even just On Demand if you have that too. Even if certain aspects of this film could have maybe been better, there’s still plenty to like about this film. Definitely watch it when you can, it is most definitely worth seeing!

Final Grade: B+