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The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
A gentle, hand-drawn animated journey of empathy and connection, where four unlikely friends wander through a wintery landscape, discovering that home is not a place, but a feeling.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

"A journey, in search of home."

25 December 2022 United Kingdom 35 min 8.2 (660)

Director: Peter Baynton, Charlie Mackesy

Cast: Jude Coward Nicoll, Tom Hollander, Idris Elba, Gabriel Byrne

Animation Family Fantasy Adventure Friendship and Connection Vulnerability and Courage Kindness and Empathy The Meaning of Home

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse — Movie Quotes

Memorable Quotes

What do you want to be when you grow up?' 'Kind,' said the boy.
— The Boy

Context

An early conversation between the Boy and the Mole, as they get to know each other. It sets the tone for their journey and the lessons they will learn and share.

Meaning

This simple exchange encapsulates the core philosophy of the film, prioritizing a fundamental human quality over ambition or status. It establishes the central value system of the story, suggesting that kindness is the highest aspiration.

What is the bravest thing you've ever said?' 'Help.'
— The Horse

Context

The Boy asks the Horse this question during one of their quiet, reflective moments on their journey. The Horse's simple, profound answer serves as a key piece of wisdom for both the Boy and the audience.

Meaning

This quote reframes the concept of bravery, moving it away from traditional notions of heroism and toward the courage of admitting vulnerability. It's a central message of the film, arguing that asking for help is an act of strength and resilience, not weakness.

Tears fall for a reason and they are your strength, not weakness.
— The Horse

Context

The Horse says this to the Boy after the Boy falls into the river and begins to cry, feeling he has made a mistake. The Horse's words comfort him and offer a different perspective on his emotional reaction.

Meaning

This line validates the expression of emotion, particularly sadness and pain. It challenges the idea that one must always be stoic, instead presenting emotional release as a source of strength and an important part of the human experience.

Home isn't always a place, is it?
— The Boy

Context

Towards the end of the film, after seeing the lights of a village, the Boy ultimately decides to stay with his friends, articulating this profound discovery about the true nature of home.

Meaning

This is the culminating realization of the Boy's journey. It signifies his shift in understanding from seeking a physical location to recognizing that the feeling of belonging, love, and safety with his friends is what truly constitutes a home.

One of our greatest freedoms is how we react to things.
— The Mole

Context

The Mole says this after he makes the courageous decision to chew through the wire of a snare to free the Fox, even though the Fox had threatened him. His action and subsequent words highlight this theme of conscious, compassionate choice.

Meaning

This quote speaks to the power of choice and emotional agency. It suggests that while we cannot always control external events, we have the freedom to choose our response, advocating for thoughtful reactions like kindness and compassion over instinctual ones like fear or anger.

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