Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a Christmas movie that has been around for over 50 years. Because of this, many generations have watched this movie while growing up, so it’s a film that’s nostalgic for many people. While lots of people who celebrate Christmas have a fond place in their hearts for this children’s holiday classic, it’s definitely a product of its time. There are many things in this movie that are kind of messed up and haven’t aged well at all, but there are also things about it that are timeless that make people keep watching.
Here are the five things from Rudolph that haven’t aged well 50 years later and five things about it that stand the test of time.
HAVEN’T AGED WELL: THAT THE ELVES HAVE TO CONFORM TO BEING ONE KIND OF PERSON
The entire idea of Santa having a legion of elves who do all of the hard work for him is rather messed up when you think about it, and the way the elves are treated in Rudolph is especially disturbing. These elves don’t seem like they are paid at all, and they are expected to all be toy makers. When Hermey wants to be a dentist, he is yelled at by the Head Elf and treated with disdain. It also seems like Santa is pretty dismissive and rude to the elves, and overall it’s awful they don’t have any control over their own lives.
TIMELESS: RUDOLPH IS THE HERO OF THE STORY
While many people have pointed out the bad behavior of the people in Rudolph’s life, at least Rudolph himself is the hero of the story. It’s definitely true that he wasn’t treated that well by the people who should have been looking out for him, but he’s still a good person anyway. He cares about his friends and about the toys on the Island of Misfit Toys, and it ends up being Rudolph’s differences and uniqueness that allows him to save Christmas.
HAVEN’T AGED WELL: HOW RUDOLPH IS TREATED BY HIS DAD
Given that this movie was released in 1964, it’s not surprising that the social norms are different than they are now. One thing that’s most disturbing in the movie is how Rudolph’s father, Donner, treats his son.
He is judgmental and mean about Rudolph’s nose and clearly ashamed of the fact that his son isn’t just like everyone else. Many people have pointed out that this makes it seem like Rudolph is some sort of metaphor for being a child with a bigoted parent.
TIMELESS: THE ISLAND OF MISFIT TOYS
This movie is all about the fact that being different than what society says is the norm can lead to a lot of ostracism. The toys on this island are all less than normal, and they have no place. This is one bright spot in this movie that’s often surprisingly dark. The fact that they are given a safe place until they are able to find permanent homes is heartwarming, and seeing them finally get to leave the island and find love and happiness is a great moment in the film.
HAVEN’T AGED WELL: THE OLD-FASHIONED SEXISM
Another thing about Rudolph that is really hard to watch in this day and age is how much weird sexism there is. First of all, it appears that only male reindeer are allowed to pull the sleigh, which actually makes no sense given that in real-life only female reindeer have their antlers in the winter.
Next, there’s the fact that Mrs. Donner doesn’t even have her own name and just put up with her husband being a jerk. And, lastly, there is a weird quote about how certain things are “man’s work.”
TIMELESS: THE NORTH POLE SETTING IS MAGICAL
The North Pole setting in this movie might seem normal now, but this is really where much of our conception of the mythical North Pole comes from. While the elves definitely deserve a better life, the fact that there are talking snowmen, magical woodland creatures, and Christmas trees that just naturally grow is rather exciting. It’s definitely a wonderful setting that is appealing to people of all ages.
HAVEN’T AGED WELL: EVERYONE ONLY STARTS BEING NICE TO RUDOLPH WHEN THEY LEARN HE’S USEFUL
One thing that many people have pointed out as being messed up in this movie is the fact that people only really care about Rudolph after they realize they can use him.
While at least Rudolph’s parents do seem to care enough to look for him after he runs away, Santa and everyone else at the North Pole only values the fact that Rudolph is different once they realize he can save Christmas. It just sends a message that if you’re not like everyone else you need to be able to be useful to be worth something.
TIMELESS: THE SONGS ARE REALLY CATCHY
While the plot of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer might not be the tightest or most uplifting, the songs definitely make up for it. Burl Ives sings many Christmas classics on the soundtrack, and there are also some really catchy original songs such as “Island of Misfit Toys” anthem.
The songs definitely make this movie more enjoyable to watch, and they will get stuck in your head.
HAVEN’T AGED WELL: THAT SANTA IS TRULY A JERK
Of all the uncomfortable things about this movie, the fact that Santa is the worst is one of the most awkward. He treats Rudolph horribly, and for some reason blames Donner for the fact his son has a shiny nose. He is rude to the elves when they make up a song for him, and he is also rude to his wife. It’s basically Mrs. Claus who has to baby him while he goes around treating everyone in his life coldly. He’s definitely one of the worst versions of Santa ever made.
TIMELESS: RUDOLPH AND HERMEY MAKE A GREAT TEAM
While the other people around them might not get or love them, these two “misfits” at least have each other. They are able to find friendship and acceptance together, and this definitely speaks to the importance of finding people who will accept you for who you are. While most of the other characters might be awful, these two at least are characters to root for.
