This is definitely on a par with 'The Snowman' for sweet and nostalgic childhood animation. A little girl is given a tiny toy angel and a little soldier boy, a shiny coin and a book about pirates for her birthday. That night the pirates step out of the open book where it has fallen from her sleepy hands, and steal the coin from her piggy bank, taking the brave little soldier boy prisoner. It is left to the little angel to negotiate the perils of the sleeping house and stow away on their ship to rescue her love - and the coin - and put everything right by morning.
The animation is absolutely charming, and Clannad's beautiful musical score brings the story of love and courage to life. As soon as the opening bars of 'Dream in the Night' start to play, I start crying! It's like being instantly transported back twenty years to a happier and more innocent time. What a pity nobody makes films like this anymore - highly recommended for adults and children alike!