Valiant

About Valiant

Valiant is a 2005 British computer-animated comedy adventure film directed by Gary Chapman. It follows the story of a brave, albeit small, pigeon named Valiant who dreams of joining the elite Royal Homing Pigeon Service (RHPS) during World War II. Despite his small stature and the disbelief of others, Valiant sets off to London to join the fight against the German falcons. Along the way, he gathers an unlikely team of bird misfits, and together they embark on an adventure, proving that it’s not the size of the wingspan that counts, but the size of the spirit.

Making / Production

The movie was produced by John H. Williams and was released by Entertainment Film Distributors in the United Kingdom and Disney in North America. The film was made by Vanguard Animation and Ealing Studios, utilizing Alias Maya 3D software to create animated characters and backgrounds.

Actors

• Ewan McGregor delivers a convincing performance as Valiant, showcasing his character’s determination and spirit.
• Ricky Gervais lends his comedic talent to Bugsey, a lovable yet scruffy pigeon from London.
• Tim Curry perfectly portrays the villainous Von Talon, getting into the character of the evil German falcon.
• Hugh Laurie offers an impressively restrained performance as Gutsy, a member of the RHPS, embodying the character's stoic charm.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie was Vanguard Animation's first feature film.
• Homing pigeons were indeed used for carrying messages in World War II.
• In spite of being set in London, the animation production took place mainly in Hungary.

Awards

Despite its unique theme and popular cast, Valiant did not receive any major awards.

Quotes

• "It's not the size of the wingspan, it's the quality of the spirit."
  - Valiant
• "My mother always told me, 'Birds of a feather flock together.'"
  - Bugsey
• "I've faced ostriches with more guts than you."
  - Von Talon

Music, Soundtrack

• "Valiant" composed by George Fenton.
• "The Valiant Pigeon" composed by George Fenton.
• "Training the Squadron" composed by George Fenton.
• "Mission to Germany" composed by George Fenton.