The Bear

The Bear

Year: 1998

Runtime: 26 mins

Language: English

Director: Hilary Audus

FantasyDramaComedyAnimationFamily

After escaping his enclosure, a polar bear returns a little girl’s beloved teddy bear, prompting her to look after him. In gratitude, the bear invites her on a magical journey filled with wonder. Adapted from Raymond Briggs’s bestselling picture book, the enchanting animated short comes from the same creators of The Snowman.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Bear (1998)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Bear (1998). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Winter

The events take place during a London winter, with snow and icy conditions shaping the journey. The mood is festive and magical, featuring moments reminiscent of Christmas and a skating sequence on a frozen river. The timeframe sits in a contemporary urban setting, emphasizing warmth, wonder, and companionship.

Location

London, England, London Zoo, Tower of London, River Thames, Nelson's Column, London Docks

The story unfolds primarily in London, with scenes around the London Zoo and city landmarks. It threads through urban spaces—from a zoo enclosure to parks and the River Thames—blending everyday city life with magical moments. The sequence includes glimpses of historic sites like the Tower of London, underscoring a visual contrast between wildness and the urban landscape.

❄️ Winter 🏙 City 🐾 Wildlife 🏛 Landmarks

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:33

Main Characters – The Bear (1998)

Meet the key characters of The Bear (1998), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tilly (Charlotte Church)

A curious young girl who befriends a polar bear after he returns her lost teddy bear. Her empathy and determination drive their bond, and she learns to balance playful care with responsibility while navigating London with a sense of wonder.

❄️ Child 🐾 Compassion 🏙 City setting ❤️ Caring

Star Bear (Peter Knapp)

A bear-shaped constellation who becomes a guide and ally to Tilly. He embodies warmth and wisdom, helping them traverse iconic London locations and translate magical moments into meaningful memories.

✨ Mentor 🐻 Guide 🗺 Adventure

Polar Bear (Philip Sheffield)

The grown bear who is first captured and later returns to accompany Tilly's journey. He blends wild animal instincts with a gentle, endearing presence, and his eventual return to his natural habitat marks the story's emotional arc.

🐾 Wildlife 🐻 Gentle 🧭 Journey

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:33

Major Themes – The Bear (1998)

Explore the central themes of The Bear (1998), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

✨ Friendship

A polar bear and a young girl form an unlikely friendship that transcends species and environments. The bear's curiosity and Tilly's kindness spark adventures around London, turning fear into trust. The bond grows through shared care and playful discovery, showing the power of companionship to bridge worlds.

🪄 Guidance

Fantasy and wonder enter a modern London as the Star Bear appears to guide the pair. Magical moments—like living Christmas displays—transform ordinary streets into a dreamlike voyage. The journey becomes a metaphor for growing up, learning to see the extraordinary in the everyday.

🐾 Freedom

The polar bear's path from captivity toward his natural habitat frames a dialogue about freedom and responsibility. Tilly's care illustrates ethical choices in handling wild animals. The tale culminates in a respectful farewell that restores balance between human care and wild life.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:33

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The Bear Summary

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The Bear Summary

The Bear Timeline

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The Bear Timeline

The Bear Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Bear Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Bear

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More About The Bear