This used to be one of my favourite movies as a kid. It also made me scared of meat-eater-plants, octopuses and falling stars. Especially falling stars... I may be a little bit biased with this one, but I noticed that there was not a single review for Moomins! I tried not to put too high ratings, but it's so hard. I already feel like I'm giving it lesser score that I actually think it deserves. Sometimes it's hard to be objective... So where should I begin? Yes, it's a "children's movie", Moomins are targeted for children (which is odd since the original source, Tove Jansson, didn't emphasizethem to kids especially...) but you can see a lot of mature themes and grim moments - I wasn't allowed to watch Moomin's before going to bed when I was a kid. Do I still watch Moomins? Of course! This is a good example of an animation that pleases everyone - at least I've never heard of a person who hated Moomins.

The lore and the world in Moomins fascinate me a lot. This movie is no different, and it serves as an "origin story" to the show and it underlines the tone that the whole show will have - except I remember that the show was a little bit more lighthearted, which can be explained by the plot of this movie; A gigantic star is falling from the sky! You remember when Final Fantasy 7 went grim and melancholic when the star was peeking from the horizon, soon to be crashed on earth? Well same here, except the gripping feeling is through the whole movie "Will they make it in time?".
The story is done well, it really gives you the feeling of a long and exhausting adventure, even though it's a short movie. The setting is build up perfectly for the show to continue where they left off, but the movie stands alone perfectly - just like the show does (so you don't need to watch them both if you don't want to.).

The art style... oh boy. I just love it okay? It's simplistic but detailed where it needs to be? That sounded confusing.
I haven't seen same kind of art anywhere else. I love how the hills, forests and other landscapes look. The colors blend together beautifully and give away a serene and a mystic feel in some way. Sure, the characters may seem a little bit simply done, but I think that's a matter of opinion if it bothers someone or not.
For it's time, it was really pretty and I think it has aged perfectly.

The characters are the weakest point to be honest, but they are still pretty decent.
I've always loved Snufkin (really? that's what you call him in english/japanese?) and he definitely shines in this one once again. I just think he is so cool, travelling all the time and being handy, friendly, few with words and mysterious.
The protag in itself is pretty neutral moomin, someone that the audience can relate to and look up to, since he is also quite brave.
I was often referred to Little My as a kid because of my short temper... Eh, people either love her or hate her.
But the blandest character... Floren. She is bearable in this movie, our heroes save her and her brother and she is pretty neutral, but in the show... She is just so meh. I never really liked her as a kid that much since she was too girly and moody in my opinion.
This movie has it's great, okay and meh characters. All of which succesfully entertain you and makes you feel attached to them. The best character? The muskrat (a philosopher muskrat) who lives under the bridge. His most famous line "Stupid woman - Cleaning doesn't help anything" is a bit of a running joke in finland.

and the music! It's awesome. Do I need to say more? (go google "Sumio Shiratori" soundtrack and listen those sweet tunes) THIS MUSIC SHOULD BE ON SOME VIDEO GAME OH MY GOD IT'S SO GOOD! (I'm sorry I had to.)
but... the voice acting. I really can't bear the voices in japanese. Maybe it's nostalgia, I don't know. Little My sounds really unbearable. I prefer the Finnish voice acting and subtitles. Maybe it won't bother you. It bothered me.

I think that I fell in love with Miyazaki's films because of Moomins. They are in many ways similar. And no wonder; Akira Miyazaki worked in this! He may not be Hayao, but the similar feel this movie and the show has is striking. Moomins are enchanting and enriched my young mind with wonder and adventures. If you love Howl no Ugoku Shiro or Majo no Takkyuubin, I think you should check out moomins.
This is a show/movie I'm going to revisit many times and in a few years I'm going to watch it with my own children.

(I'm sorry if my review is too hyped, I tried to tone it down. Moomins are my weak point and it's terribly hard to stay objective about them! I have notalgia goggles and I admit that.
You can see if I'm only talking and go watch it! It's only 1h and 15min movie! If you get hooked there is always the show too!)