Once Upon a Forest

Three young forest friends stumble into a life or death mission when their badger companion falls ill after an encounter with humans. A quick thinking mouse, a diligent mole, and a brave hedgehog pool their talents to locate a cure that might save him. They slip through thick brush, outsmart snares, and dodge dangerous traps while they push toward a remedy, guided by old forest lore and a stubborn, hopeful spirit. The trip tests their courage and loyalty, showing that even the smallest creatures can make a big difference when they work together. Throughout their quest, they confront the costs of human disturbance to the wild and learn the value of friendship and communal care.

Released in 1993, Once Upon a Forest was directed by Charles Grosvenor. It features an original screenplay by Kelly Ward, Mark Young, and Rae Lambert. The voice cast includes Michael Crawford as Cornelius, Ben Vereen as Phineas, Ellen Blain as Abigail, Benji Gregory as Edgar, and Paige Gosney as Russell. Grosvenor's direction emphasizes nature's scale and the quiet humor of woodland life, while Ward, Young, and Lambert craft dialogue that balances peril with warmth, lending the film its memorable ensemble performance.

With a production budget of about 13 million, the movie grossed 6,582,052 worldwide. The result marks a modest performance for its time and audience appeal, particularly among families seeking gentle woodland adventure rather than blockbuster spectacle.

Cultural footprint is limited, but the film is fondly remembered by a handful of fans who value its nature oriented message and classic 90s animation. It stands as a quieter example of environmental storytelling from that era.

Critical reception appears mixed in the available records, with praise for its warmth and the animal ensemble but notes about pacing. The film foregrounds friendship, cooperation, and stewardship of the natural world, delivering a hopeful message about facing danger together instead of alone.