We’re big on watching classic movies in our family. And while my 7-year-old son is well versed in ‘80s and ‘90s family classics—his favorite movie is The Goonies, and his favorite holiday movie is Home Alone—we haven’t gotten to some of the earlier holiday films. For me, Christmas as a kid always meant watching claymation classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, but it’s been a while. So, realizing we hadn’t introduced Rudolph in all of its quirky glory into our family’s holiday lexicon, we decided to give it a go. And let me tell you: I have thoughts. If it’s been a minute since you’ve watched the 1964 film, buckle up for a wild ride. Here are a few thoughts I had as a mom rewatching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
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There Are So Many Bullies
We all know Rudolph’s story, right? The song says it all: He had a very shiny nose. And all the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names. So basically, Rudolph is a story about bullying. Little Rudolph is born with a red nose that shines bright. Rudolph is different from the other reindeer (as Frosty says, he has a “non-conformity”). And then, there’s Hermey. He’s an elf who doesn’t like to make toys. He wants to be a dentist. And all of the other elves laugh at him, and he gets told, “Elves make toys!”
Now, sure, this movie was made in a different time. But I get the vibe that the bullying experienced by both of these characters is brushed off as if that’s just what happens when you’re different. And the minute Rudolph’s difference becomes helpful, he’s expected to forget how he was treated and join the team. His acceptance doesn’t come from the bullies realizing that differences shouldn’t be mocked but by his nose becoming useful to them. Not the best message, in my opinion.
The only redeemable reindeer in this movie is Clarice—she is the only one who likes Rudolph for just being himself and tells him she thinks his nose being different is what makes it grand.
Santa Is a Jerk
Santa tells Rudolph’s dad that he should be ashamed of himself for having a son with a red nose. Seriously Santa? The whole story stands on the reindeer wanting so desperately to be accepted as part of Santa’s sleigh crew that they torture this tiny little guy into feeling so badly about himself. Then Santa is in a bind and needs Rudolph’s help, and he’s just like, “Yay!” Santa dismisses Rudolph and mocks him until he needs him. Rudolph—quit that sleigh job! Santa is the true villain in this film.
Rudolph’s Parents Did Him Wrong
If I were Rudolph’s mom, I would have told Santa to beg off and told Donner to knock off treating your kid like this. Donner’s so terrified of embarrassment that he hides his son’s nose and tells him, “You’ll be a normal little buck, like everyone else.” How about, you’re perfect just like you are, kid! Maybe if Mrs. Donner had told off Donner to begin with, they could have seen Rudolph’s nose for the major asset it really was and how it made him special. I do appreciate how Mrs. Donner ignores her husband’s order that going after Rudolph is “man’s work” and heads out with Clarice to find Rudolph.
Rudolph and Hermey Don’t Need Approval
Even though Rudolph and Hermey feel like they don’t fit in with their reindeer and elf friends, they find strength in each other—and their new friends on the Island of Misfit Toys. It’s a classic case of going off on your own adventure and realizing how small-minded your hometown is. A Hallmark holiday movie in reverse!
But ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ is Still Worth a Watch
Even with some of this problematic subtext, we left Rudolph feeling warm, fuzzy, and upbeat. Rudolph grows into his own and while I wish the success had come from that self-growth, not from the external validation of leading Santa’s sleigh, I was just happy to see him happy. And to see Hermey the Elf being accepted as a dentist! Plus, the North Pole aesthetic in Rudolph can’t help but make you feel in the holiday spirit.
Where to Watch ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ in 2023
Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer is available to watch on CBS, Freeform, and a number of streaming services this season.
