Opened: November 18, 1988

Directed by: Don Bluth

Starring: Gabriel Damon, Candace Huston, Judith Barsi, Will Ryan, Helen Shaver, Burke Byrnes, Bill Erwin & Pat Hingle

Produced by film legends Steven Spielberg and George Lucas and clocking in at just 69 minutes, The Land Before Time is a quick film but an emotional rollercoaster.

As vegetation disappears, packs of dinosaurs go in search of the Great Valley. After his mother (Helen Shaver) fights a “Sharptooth,” Littlefoot (Gabriel Damon) and his friends must make their own journey to be reunited with family.

While the dinosaurs are cute for kids to watch, this is a deep storyline for those who realize it. Much of the beginning focuses on the divide of the dinosaurs based on species and how they can’t play with each other, which highlights racial divides.

The main characters go through some hard times but power through. Their strength is evident, and you’ll sympathize with their struggles.

Final say: A less remembered animated masterpiece. ★★★★★