Dikkertje Dap AKA My Giraffe

6.5/10
Adventure
2017
1h 14m
PG

A touching family adventure, My Giraffe (2017) follows young Dikkertje’s heartfelt journey as he navigates friendship, school fears, and growing up with the help of his beloved giraffe friend Raf. Perfect for kids and families who love warm, meaningful, and uplifting children’s movies.

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Genres

Adventure Family

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My Giraffe (2017) is a heartwarming family adventure film that beautifully captures the innocence of childhood friendship, emotional growth, and the bittersweet journey of growing up. Directed by Barbara Bredero, this charming Dutch movie (originally titled Dikkertje Dap) follows the imaginative life of a young boy named Dikkertje Dap, portrayed by Liam de Vries. The story unfolds around his extraordinary bond with his best friend Raf — a gentle giraffe who lives at the local zoo. From the very beginning, the film immerses viewers in a whimsical world where the boundaries between fantasy and reality blur, creating a touching narrative that resonates strongly with children and families alike. As Dikkertje prepares for his first day of school, he faces a major emotional challenge: leaving behind the comforting routine of visiting Raf every day. This simple yet powerful premise drives a deeply relatable coming-of-age story filled with warmth, humor, and meaningful life lessons.

At its core, My Giraffe (2017) is a beautifully crafted exploration of childhood anxiety, friendship, and personal courage. The film delicately portrays the universal fear many children experience when stepping into new environments, especially the transition into formal schooling. Dikkertje’s reluctance to attend school stems not from stubbornness, but from his deep emotional attachment to Raf and his fear of change. Through gentle storytelling and visually appealing cinematography, the movie highlights how children process big life transitions in their own imaginative ways. The zoo setting plays a crucial symbolic role, representing both safety and the inevitability of growth. As Dikkertje navigates new friendships, unfamiliar routines, and the expectations of adults, viewers witness a realistic yet uplifting emotional journey. The screenplay smartly balances lighthearted moments with sincere emotional beats, making it equally engaging for young viewers and parents searching for meaningful family entertainment.

One of the film’s strongest qualities is its ability to communicate profound themes through a simple, child-friendly narrative structure. Rather than relying on heavy drama, the movie uses gentle humor, colorful visuals, and tender character interactions to convey its message. The relationship between Dikkertje and Raf serves as a metaphor for the comfort zones children naturally cling to before embracing independence. The film also subtly emphasizes the importance of supportive parenting, patient teachers, and understanding friends in helping children overcome early fears. Visually, the movie maintains a warm, inviting tone that enhances its emotional accessibility. The pacing is carefully designed to keep younger audiences engaged while still providing enough narrative depth to satisfy adult viewers. Because of this balance, My Giraffe (2017) stands out as a memorable family film that encourages empathy, bravery, and emotional resilience without ever feeling preachy or overly sentimental.

Ultimately, My Giraffe (2017) succeeds as an uplifting family movie that celebrates imagination, friendship, and the small but significant milestones of childhood. Its gentle storytelling approach, combined with strong performances and heartfelt themes, makes it an excellent choice for family movie nights, educational viewing, and young audiences experiencing similar life transitions. The film leaves viewers with a reassuring message: growing up can be scary, but with courage, support, and a little imagination, new adventures can be just as wonderful as the old comforts we leave behind. For parents searching for meaningful children’s cinema and for viewers who appreciate wholesome European family films, My Giraffe (2017) remains a charming and emotionally satisfying watch that continues to resonate long after the credits roll.