The Iron Giant: A Study in Heartfelt Filmmaking

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In this video, I discuss the 1999 film The Iron Giant and the many qualities that have made it an enduring classic.
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Sources mentioned:
Brad Bird Talks 'Iron Giant' 10th Anniversary | Animation World Network
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Lean, Mean Fighting Machine: How Brad Bird Made The Iron Giant
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[@AJSdanmakufu]

I'm glad that Guillermo del Toro was able to offer words of encouragement, and that his prediction ultimately came true. You can't put a number on the emotional impact the movie has made with its audience.

[@QualityCulture]

So true, and I'm glad it ultimately got the recognition it deserved :)

[@danyramos8139]

We don't deserve Guillermo

[@scoutart1508]

@@QualityCulture you know, another animated HIDDEN gem i highly recommend to check is CAPTURE THE FLAG

[@thegunslinger1363]

The Iron Giant, Ratatouille, and The Incredibles. Brad Bird sure knows a thing or to about animation.

[@aleaanderson6600]

You can say that again.

[@MissFazzington]

Bitch edited the comment and still left "a thing or to"

[@noobmasterruben5167]

I recommend you watch Why Ratatouille is Pixar’s Magnom opus because even though Ratatouille is my 4th fave Pixar movie. Theres no other Pixar movie with that kind of vibe

[@thegunslinger1363]

@Noobmaster Ruben Sure, I like your profile pic, BTW.

[@lL338]

The Iron Giant stands alone, here. The other two franchises alienate humanity totally. Ratatouille and The Incredibles focus on extremely exceptional individuals or superhumans at the expense of common people, sometimes even vilifying average humans for being mediocre.

[@Ryan-rq6dx]

The Iron Giant did indeed leave a lasting mark on my heart.

[@venerablebrothergoriate5844]

The Iron Giant and Robocop were the movies my mom showed me when I was in the hospital. I was born with a birth defect that required a prosthetic leg, so I was awaiting surgery, nervous about the whole thing, about having parts of me that I couldn’t feel. But my mom showed me the Iron Giant putting himself back together, and Robocop saving people with his newfound mechanical strength. It helped. My mom told me I was gonna be a cyborg hero one day, and I believed her. With the way medical science is going, I still do. Iron Giant is a big chunk of my childhood and my soul sings with a nameless sensation whenever I close my eyes with the Giant and say “Superman…” It makes me feel… whole.

[@davechongle]

wow, your story is very similar to mine. i was born with a defect, watched it in the hospital, and dreamed of being a "cyborg" as well.

[@lasersnquasars6156]

Aw hell, I’m gonna cry reading this

[@ifas8373]

this is so sweet, thank u for sharing 😄

[@BRILTHY]

Hogarth being so knowledgeable on souls through his mom, it was probably her comforting him after the death of his dad :(

[@spenceduggs]

How did I never piece that together, damn

[@Sumguyinavan_]

"A gun who doesn't want to be a gun" punched me right in the emotional face. There's something wrong with someone who doesn't cry or at least get close when he flies off saying "Superman", knowing that this giant gun chose to save everyone instead of killing anyone. But there is definitely a similar vein story to have told with the army of robots the Giant comes from. He was a soldier, designed and programmed to follow orders and kill/destroy. And maybe some severe head trauma is the only reason he stops being a literal mindless killing machine. But in the end it needed to be mentioned that the actual soldiers stood down when they saw the giant didn't need to be destroyed, and it was the panicking civilian zealot drunk on power who almost killed them all. All the soldiers in their tanks and holding their guns made a choice to stop engaging in violence when it no longer seemed like a reasonable solution, and the Giant made its choice of what it wanted to do with its existence. I'm glad the movie ends the way it does and there is no sequel. It gives us the warm fuzzies that he will come back, but there didn't need to be more story for him because no studio would greenlight "He comes back, everyone loves him, and he becomes useful to his community, there doesn't need to be a villain anymore. Maybe for once a hero gets a peaceful life after their conflict is over."

[@trinaq]

This movie was definitely my favourite childhood film. The bond between Hogarth and the Giant was so pure and heartfelt.

[@BrokenDarkFire]

Guillermo del Toro was right because I never forgot this film after the first time, and I watched it again and again.

[@rdbpanda6052]

Iron Giant really is such a great movie that leaves a lasting impression. I watched it when I was little on the VCR and I still consider it one of the best movies from that time. I actually still have the VHS tape

[@sinisterintelligence3568]

I do too, my friend. Although I'm going to get the DVD/Blu-Rey version eventually. I will, obviously still keep the VHS one.

[@anonview]

One of the most beautiful animated movies ever. Its emotional delivery is so spot on that even simply seeing the thumbnail makes me want to cry.

[@christscrackers647]

7:06 - 7:12 This honestly deserves more respect in my opinion. Y'know how often modern studios would JUMP at the opportunity just to add in a new, unnecessary character to the story just so they can sell merchandise? The fact that Brad Bird actively denied these opportunities clearly shows that he was all about the story. That just makes this movie all the more special.

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

Totally!! What integrity.

[@bluewave416]

What an essay - artfully stated and strong philosophical core in analysis. Bravo! In a way, animated films must be incredibly robust in their philosophy because they have had to appeal cross-generationally to be successful. So they're a great repository for timeless wisdom with lessons that encourage our humanity, in lieu of the money-driven machines they unfortunately often revert to.

[@QualityCulture]

Well said!

[@sinisterintelligence3568]

This is probably my favorite animated movie. Have you noticed that the giant was only targeting military equipment as opposed to the soldiers?

[@ayindestevens6152]

To this day I’m shocked that it “bombed” at the box office. It was the talk of Day Camp one summer because either we had it on Video or watched it premiere on cable (thank you Cartoon Network and your multiple viewings). I think I watched it a dozen times as a kid and it indeed holds up. Hmmmm maybe it’s time for a re-watch.

[@superidot1]

Ironically, it flopping and going to vhs and television fast because of this likely contributed to its success in the long term

[@ayindestevens6152]

@@superidot1 yup it did

[@MultiMediaInput]

Another fantastic video, watched it the moment the notification popped ^_^ One of my favorite scenes from this movie is during the Mansley Hogarth Stare Down. During this scene we get a moment pan over to see a compass and a photo of Hogarth’s Father showing that he was a pilot who had died at war. This leads into two things. First Hogarth’s need to protect and imitation of a Solider in moments of the movie, and second the line about a soul. This is what his mother probably told him after the passing of his father, now Hogarth is sharing it with The Giant. Sorry for the rant I just Love this movie and you keep choosing great topics to cover.

[@QualityCulture]

Thanks for pointing that out, that's such a good detail!

[@MultiMediaInput]

@@QualityCulture of course, always happy to share obscure details about films I love haha. Can’t wait to see what you cover next It’s always a surprise.

[@willowarkan2263]

That call from del toro was such a cool thing to do. Glad it proved true.

[@spenceduggs]

Every time the Giant reacts to "killing" Hogarth, I'm brought to tears. The way the camera angle/hand movements perfectly imitate the moment of the deer, the use of body language & facial expressions perfectly conveying the shock, realization, then grief of the Giants reaction... The fact that it's all done without dialogue is frankly incredible. Just one of many wonderful moments in this masterpiece of a film

[@hildalilja6649]

I watched the iron giant when i was about 5 and i was so traumatized. I think my parents had to turn ot off since i was crying so much. I was so devastated and i haven't watched it since. I just remember thinking that this was the saddest movie ever and i felt so bad for the giant. I might rewatch it now though, i'm 18 and should be able to handle it lol! Great video :)

[@QualityCulture]

You should definitely rewatch :) I won't guarantee that you won't cry again lol but it'll be a good cry!

[@rachelconsoli8428]

“Superman” makes me WEEP every time 🥺😭

[@QualityCulture]

Same 🥲

[@alexanderklepp]

Brad Bird's quote about having dark and light sides inside ourselves is probably why he wanted to make Tomorrowland considering that also has a message about feeding the right wolf. PS That movie is way underappreciated and way more relevant now. This was a wonderful video about The Iron Giant.

[@QualityCulture]

Thanks for mentioning it, I should give Tomorrowland a watch :)

[@mischr13]

I'll never forget the first time I watched this...my brother got the VHS, all smiles, he looked at me and said we should watch the iron giant. I wasn't entirely interested at first but was full on crying by the end. we watched it together many times after that. two years later in 2001, when he was 16 and I was 15, he took his own life. I am devastated to hear of the origins of the story but it makes sense to me now. I couldn't watch it again for years...but I can watch it now and it is one of my favorite movies ever. especially the memories

[@bretto7]

didn’t expect to cry watching a video on KZbin today. thanks for bringing this movie up. I haven’t thought of it in quite some time, appreciate this movie a lot 💜

[@QualityCulture]

Glad you enjoyed the video 😊 you should rewatch the movie sometime if you want to cry even more haha

[@562Wolfie]

You never fail at letting me feel like my 6 year old self and now I'm crying again. Thank you

[@QualityCulture]

Aw I’m glad you enjoyed it, thank you 🥺

[@paulasanchez6299]

I love all of your videos because they put into words so well those things that we know but can't express, the same about this one. The Iron Giant is definitely wholesome and beautiful but you could put into words why that is in an organic and fluid way. Awesome work!

[@QualityCulture]

Thanks so much!

[@matttheking1655]

10/10 Movie....👌Definitely one of the greatest -animation- movie of all time....

[@KaritKtana]

I made some friends watch The Iron Giant once. It was quite a raucous gathering, but one friend actually paid attention and watched all the way through, and as the credits rolled she turned to me with damp eyes, and with such awe at its difference from every other 'kids movie' she said: "wow, this movie truly respects its audience." She was struck by its sheer intelligence, heart, and authenticity, and she helped me understand WHY I loved it and thought it's important to watch. 💓

[@YarrBr0]

I am in tears. This movie hurts so good, and your analysis was enough to bring it all out of me all over again

[@vitamincrc8267]

this movie came out when I was 2 and around when my little brother was born, and my whole life I never knew it was considered anything other than special. it is such a core memory for me

[@monzer0172]

Absolute classic, one of the few movies I will never forget.

[@dylanlewis5113]

Can we get Brad Bird to make a Superman movie? He seems to understand the character.

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

oh I love that idea!

[@fabihaafaf8409]

Could you please make a video essay about a monster calls?? It’s one of my favourite book and the first english book i ever read. It helped me so much to deal with grief

[@QualityCulture]

I've been meaning to! It's on my list :)

[@davechongle]

Me and my father watched this movie over and over and over while I was in the hospital very young. it quickly became my favorite. the emotional stings hit even harder with what this movie means to us. i still watch it from time to time and it brings back many memories. im pretty sure this movie's message influenced who i became as a person and adult.

[@xcassyx2516]

*_The forces of hatred, apathy, and destruction have always been challenged by love and sacrifice._*

[@Drawfield]

I’m late to party here, but there’s two things that make this movie special for me. 1. I had no idea that this wasn’t a modern movie from the past decade. I watched it in college a few years back and fell in love with the style and would have never guessed it was made in 1999. 2. This movie has always given me the wintery/Christmas movie vibes without ever showing anything remotely holiday centric. It gives that comfort that I associate with those types of movies. Maybe it’s the style and music, honestly I can’t really pin it down. Anyways great video. I appreciate these dives into these cherished bits of media.

[@uponeldritchshores]

You stirred something in me like the first time my wife showed my son this film a year ago along side myself. Thank you for your outlook on this stellar film and how you’ve broken down its art in its entirety. I hope to one day make something that can tell something so profoundly important as this film has, and also you through sharing the deep meanings this film offers in its story.

[@x8makes.1teamx]

I have "I am not a gun" tattooed Growing up with severe anger issues that developed due to bad living conditions, I always felt like a weapon, like I was dangerous as soon as I got mad (because I would hit, bite and break things), but once you grow up, you realize that while you can't pick your past, you can pick who you will be. Regardless, I love this movie for more reasons than I can count

[@msmayven]

The only movie I bought in a dvd, best animation movie ever. Thanks for spreading the word.

[@destikohs]

I absolutely love how well this video is put together, truly, I love this video!

[@HumbleWooper]

Any time someone asks me what my favorite underappreciated movie is, or a film I think not enough people have seen, The Iron Giant is my go-to answer. It is, and probably always will be, one of my favorite movies.

[@kerimanasilasila174]

When iron giant sacrificed himself for the people of Maine was pure love. Always cry when he says superman and closes his eyes. 😢

[@gadamis]

Thanks for reminding me of a beautiful classic from my youth. I really appreciate the time and effort you take to reflect on media worth watching. If you ever choose to use Patreon, I'd surely back you.

[@autumn_equinox]

Thank you so much for this. What a lovely tribute to one of the most heart-rending, quietly profound, largely unsung classics of animated films and, I would argue, film history in general. It owns a space in my charred, world-weary heart and I have and will continue to pass it on to whomever I can ♥️

[@Ready-ForTheEnd]

I saw this as a child and it still makes me cry to this day.

[@lordbasilisk]

I had this on VHS as a kid, the KZbin algorithm reminding me of it with this video is a kickass way to remind me to watch it again. Nice vid 👌

[@mmps18]

The Iron Giant was such a formative film for me! One of the most beautiful and impactful films I've ever seen. Thank you so much for making this lovely essay about it!

[@creategreatness8823]

I am one of the few lucky kids who was taken to this film in theaters by my parents. I've loved it ever since.

[@thatguywithoutahead]

I havent seen this film for almost 15 years but I loved it as a child (I saw it dozens of times) and I think the giants dream was in the german version since I remember it. Great essay btw ^^

[@sonorasgirl]

I’ve only seen this film once as a kid. I caught it on tv when I was home alone. Yet even having only seen it once at 10 I was tearing up watching this review. Something about it touched me in a way I’d forgotten until now.

[@SpookyDeadeye]

Hey! You're right in the middle of the road!!

[@Logoscyth]

YEAH?!

[@SpookyDeadeye]

@@Logoscyth Alright!

[@autobee23]

I love this movie so much, words can’t describe how special it is.

[@mcdombrow]

I have watched this video about 30 different times. It’s just so inspiring and so beautifully told. I love it

[@sansisntness]

beautiful film. aged beautifully. beautiful messages.

[@yessica5231]

Guillermo was right, this movie stays with people no matter the age or background.

[@Tarry_Plaguer]

I am glad that you enjoyed the Iron Giant. There are so many of these animated films that just go unappreciated and largely unknown. I am curious if you ever thought of doing a special on such films? Probably the one I am most familiar with would have to be Cats Don't Dance. CDD was the final film of Turner Feature Animation, and because Turner was bought out by Warner Bros. just after it's completion it was pretty much doomed. It was released with almost no marketing to speak of, Subway had some plastic figures that you could get with your sandwich, but that was pretty much the entirety of it's marketing. It also was released at the same time as Space Jam, a WB property, so they concentrated on advertising that film and not their newest acquisition. Personally I think Cats Don't Dance is leagues ahead of Space Jam. And CDD had so much going for it. Danny, the main character is voiced by Scott Bakula who most recognize from his years on Quantum Leap as Sam Beckett. His female love interest Sawyer, is voiced by Jasmine Guy who played Whitley on A Different World and has her singing done by none other than Natalie Cole. Other actors who lent their voices include John Rhys-Davies as Woolie, Betty Lou Gerson as Francis, and Don Knotts as T.W. among others. The film was directed by Mark Dindal who after Turner closed went to work at Disney and was director for The Emperors New Groove. Again I think Cats Don't Dance was better. Also one of the lead animators for Sawyer was a young Lauren Faust. You may not know her name, but you definitely know her work. After Turner closed she went to work on some animated film called Iron Giant before going to work on an animated series called Power Puff Girls that was directed by a guy called Craig McCracken. The two got married in 2004. He later started work on another series called Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. The character of Frances Foster is supposedly based of his wife Lauren. Anyway Lauren would eventually end up with her own animated series, maybe you have heard of it, My Little Pony Friendship is Magic. Randy Newman was composer and Gene Kelley was a dance consultant. The film was nominated for seven Annie Awards and won two Best Animated Feature and Music in a Feature Production Rand Newman (songs) Despite all this Cats Don't Dance was a flop in the box office making only $3.6 million in the US and Canada, despite costing $32 million to produce. I don't think it was even in theaters for more than two weeks before being pulled. The film was released on DVD in Pan-and-scan format (cropped for TV) in 2002, 5 years after it's release. The widescreen DVD version wasn't even available for viewing until 2008 and then only overseas, in Germany, Spain, and the Benelux countries. It wasn't available in widescreen DVD in North America until November of 2016 as part of the Warner Archive Collection. That is nearly 20 years after it was in theaters! Another film would be Rock & Rule, which I could also rant on about, but this is already longer than I intended. Feel free to research it yourself.

[@jeffjuracka7428]

Del Toro was absolutely right - a classic and one of my favorite childhood movies (@the gunslinger, you listed the rest - guess I just like Brad Bird!)

[@highwind1991]

Still Brad Bird's best film

[@Jonieeboii]

I love this movie, thank you for bringing it to life yet again.

[@Dollartrees]

when I was little cartoon network had marathons and they had a few where they played the iron giant. I loved this movie so much I would let it play all day

[@MrDaRiAn21]

This was a great time! I enjoyed it a lot as a kid

[@ursosexmachina]

The only movie that has ever made me cry.

[@jobsmine]

Love this video dearly. It’s my favorite top animated film of all time and teaches us a valuable lesson.

[@mretie]

This and "Titan AE" were Sci-fi staples in my house while growing up! Who else was born in '92 😅

[@QualityCulture]

Me! ✋🏼

[@gandicae]

Just wonderful! Thank you for making this, from the bottom of my heart. I love you!

[@FosukeLordOfError]

I watched this movie out of order and over several years, as cartoon network would regularly marathon it for 24 hour periods i would catch parts of it at a time never sitting down for the whole thing. It gives me a hard to describe relationship with it

[@BeepieBoop]

Between The Iron Giant and Treasure Planet, I’m incredibly happy to have watched and loved films that show that nobody is one dimensional and everyone has the choice to become the best version of themselves

[@wopr1231]

I've always seen the similarities between the iron giant and short circuit. both are beautiful films.

[@nathanj2439]

I was a little kid when I saw this and I always loved it but didn't know why until now.

[@Dun-N-Dusted]

Nice essay on an amazing movie

[@thomaswright7013]

This was my favorite movie as a kid

[@PoppyOxymoron]

The head of my animation course says that their favourite film is the iron giant. They’re always recommending it!

[@unaanguila]

Thanks for sharing the analysis of the movie.

[@ram0n420]

I have an off topic question, does anybody know the music that starts around 11.00? Loved the video and has been a fan of the iron giant animation for years 🧡

[@Chronicle_MV]

I think On The Cool Side by Kevin MacLeod, if I'm remembering correctly. 🤔

[@justalittleguy733]

what a great video. i am reminded of such a classic. thank you so much!

[@officiallyliza7813]

i love love love this film I've never heard anyone talk about it

[@audreylala5847]

wasn't tryna cry this thursday evening, but here I am.

[@charleneong]

Hey there, i wanted you to know that your lovely deep takes on some films made me want to rewatch them. After watching your video on Life Of Pi, i revisited it and was even more deeply moved than i was the first time. I felt for a moment like i understood the universe and what transcendence meant. Now i'll def need to revisit Iron Giant, with the new perspective this vid has given me, and see if i end up experiencing it differently ❤ Thank you so much for the quality content on this channel!!

[@chaosdream21]

Very well done. Deserves more views.

[@Cheskaz]

Beautiful

[@QualityCulture]

Thank you!

[@darkstarmoonshadow]

It s one 9f my all time favorite animated movies

[@Thisisnotadreamhaha]

Awh thank you!

[@Farm_charm_sanctuary]

It’s still one of my all time favorite films.

[@saltywalrus]

"The porpoise is able to communicate telepathically"

[@Alex_gee_white]

Great essay!

[@McFly.]

this was the first movie i remember crying to.

[@kerimanasilasila174]

We love this movie.

[@emilyrln]

"I am not a gun… I am Groot."

[@dogf421]

there really is something different about this movie it understands violence

[@rennythespaceguy7285]

Great video essay, glad to have another excuse to revist this film again

[@sergiozambrano6856]

When you see it with John Williams Superman theme...it hits harder

[@MohamedSalah-S]

I just love ur videos

[@jws1948ja]

I loved this film.

[@16maze]

I always love your reviews! You have a slice of life voice I could listen too all day! So it was surprising for you to curse 😂😂😂😂

[@QualityCulture]

My bad 😂😅

[@RanterInShades]

Brad Bird is kind of a genius.

[@QualityCulture]

Definitely! And his career path is pretty interesting, I recommend watching that Making of the Iron Giant documentary if you wanna learn more about him :)

[@lavenderflowersfall280]

The reason I love writing.

[@HernanMtz]

great video

[@Mabra51]

It's not "children's media", it's just an animated movie.

[@friend_trilobot]

"I am not a gun" "I am groot" 😊

[@lettersandpoims]

yes

[@BrandonMcCurry1990]

Who you choose to become? First time ever hearing anything like that Can you do such a thing?

[@Deadforge]

Definitely a stand out animated film.