The Chimes Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: The Chimes
| Movie | The Chimes |
| Release Year | 1999 |
| Director | Lindsay Van Blerk |
| Genre | Animation / Drama |
| Runtime | 23 minutes (23m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Chimes (1999) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Animation.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Chimes are led by Cindy Harrison . The supporting cast, including Derek Jacobi and Gordon Van Rooyen , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Chimes stands out as a strong entry in the Animation genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Animation narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Chimes has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Animation fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Chimes
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1999, The Chimes is a Animation, Drama film directed by Lindsay Van Blerk. The narrative combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Cindy Harrison.
Ending Explained: The Chimes
The Chimes Ending Explained: A claymation adaptation of "The Chimes: A Goblin Story of Some Bells that Rang an Old Year Out and a New Year In". Directed by Lindsay Van Blerk, this 1999 animation film stars Cindy Harrison, alongside Derek Jacobi as Narrator, Gordon Van Rooyen, Julian Ford. Rated 7/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of The Chimes?
A claymation adaptation of "The Chimes: A Goblin Story of Some Bells that Rang an Old Year Out and a New Year In". The Chimes was a short novel by Charles Dickens which was written and published in 1844, one year after A Christmas Carol. It is the second in his series of "Christmas books": five short books with strong social and moral messages that he published during the 1840s.
Lindsay Van Blerk's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Cindy Harrison's journey. The Chimes was a short novel by Charles Dickens which was written and published in 1844, one year after A Christmas Carol.
How Does Cindy Harrison's Story End?
- Cindy Harrison: Cindy Harrison's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Lindsay Van Blerk delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 0h 23m runtime.
- Derek Jacobi (Narrator): Derek Jacobi's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Gordon Van Rooyen: Gordon Van Rooyen's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Chimes Mean?
The ending of The Chimes ties together the narrative threads involving Cindy Harrison. Lindsay Van Blerk chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.
The Chimes Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Chimes Based on a True Story?
No, The Chimes is a work of fiction. While the animation, drama film directed by Lindsay Van Blerk and starring Cindy Harrison may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Chimes?
Age Advisory: Rated G — suitable for all ages.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Animation films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Cindy Harrison or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
At just 23 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Chimes Parents Guide & Age Rating
1999 AdvisoryWondering about The Chimes age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Chimes (1999) is 23 minutes (23m). Directed by Lindsay Van Blerk, the film runs for 23 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Chimes is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1999 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Chimes worth watching?
The Chimes is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Chimes parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Chimes identifies it as G. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Chimes (1999)?
The runtime of The Chimes (1999) is 23 minutes (approximately 0h 23m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

