As said many times, have always had a lifelong love of animation, old and new. Disney, Studio Ghibli, Hanna Barbera, Tom and Jerry, Hanna Barbera, Looney Tunes and also the works of Tex Avery and Fleischer. With a broader knowledge of animation styles, directors, studios and how it was all done actually love it even more now.
It's not just animation held in very high regard by me. Have also had an undying lifelong love for the classic stories of the Grimm Brothers. Their tales are beautifully written, full of soul, imagination and joy and enchanting in their own way, if quite dark in some stories and at times gruesome, and with many memorable characters that are iconic in literature. Their fame, importance and the timeless appeal of their stories are more than justified and Would see any adaptation of his work, animation or live-action, and there have been numerous times where his work has lent well to animation.
For an introduction to their stories if unfamiliar with them, this overlooked German animated series 'Simsala Grimm' (although there are a few episodes with other authors) fits the bill very nicely. Even those familiar with the stories are likely to find the series and how it approaches and tells the stories featured interesting. It was great to see the famous tales and also the not so familiar and not often adapted ones. In its own right, 'Simsala Grimm' is quite well done, not one of my favourites but it's an interesting approach to the various stories and a great way to introduce newcomers to them, which will give them the want to read the stories.
While not quite perfect, 'The Six Servants' still manages to be one of the best 'Simsala Grimm' episodes, an interesting animated adaptation, it is quite faithful in terms of details if something of a more light-hearted one, and well done on its own. Perfect for younger audiences and with enough to satisfy the older crowd.
My only complaints are that the Princess is rather bland and underwritten and while they are great in the first half Doc Croc and Yoyo prove to not be as useful in some of the second half due to the characters of the six servants doing more than enough to help. The Queen seemed defeated too easily too.
Doc Croc and Yoyo are very entertaining and likeable characters and their roles in telling the story and playing roles in them, namely being helpful or being voices of reason, are done cleverly. Personally didn't find their scenes wasted time or felt like filler. Doc Croc is the more interesting personality and has some nice lines but there is a preference for the adorable and very funny Yoyo.
Most of 'The Six Servants' characters were written well. The lead is a very likeable hero with great sympathetic chemistry with Doc Croc and Yoyo. The six servants have faithful and distinct personalities and qualities, while the Queen is a formidable antagonist. The voice acting fits all of the characters well, especially the Queen who is suitably imperious.
More so than not, the story is engaging, ideally paced and entertaining and relaxing to watch, with emotional impact and cuteness. All the crucial scenes are done well, especially with everything with the six servants and the tasks are nicely handled. There is plenty for youngsters, without being juvenile or dumbed down, while also enough for adults feeling nostalgic and traditionalists, despite being adaptation-wise loose at times. There are enough elements of the original story here, actually it was quite faithful apart from leaving out the swineherd part at the end. The writing is neither too complicated or simplistic, and entertains and charms.
The animation is quite nice and easy on the eyes as an overall whole. Simple and not always imaginative, but generally colourful, nicely detailed, fluidly drawn and the charming traditional look was perfect. The music fits well and is dynamic. The intro has a nostalgic charm and love the storybook once upon a time approach.
All in all, great and one of the best of the series. 9/10 Bethany Cox
It's not just animation held in very high regard by me. Have also had an undying lifelong love for the classic stories of the Grimm Brothers. Their tales are beautifully written, full of soul, imagination and joy and enchanting in their own way, if quite dark in some stories and at times gruesome, and with many memorable characters that are iconic in literature. Their fame, importance and the timeless appeal of their stories are more than justified and Would see any adaptation of his work, animation or live-action, and there have been numerous times where his work has lent well to animation.
For an introduction to their stories if unfamiliar with them, this overlooked German animated series 'Simsala Grimm' (although there are a few episodes with other authors) fits the bill very nicely. Even those familiar with the stories are likely to find the series and how it approaches and tells the stories featured interesting. It was great to see the famous tales and also the not so familiar and not often adapted ones. In its own right, 'Simsala Grimm' is quite well done, not one of my favourites but it's an interesting approach to the various stories and a great way to introduce newcomers to them, which will give them the want to read the stories.
While not quite perfect, 'The Six Servants' still manages to be one of the best 'Simsala Grimm' episodes, an interesting animated adaptation, it is quite faithful in terms of details if something of a more light-hearted one, and well done on its own. Perfect for younger audiences and with enough to satisfy the older crowd.
My only complaints are that the Princess is rather bland and underwritten and while they are great in the first half Doc Croc and Yoyo prove to not be as useful in some of the second half due to the characters of the six servants doing more than enough to help. The Queen seemed defeated too easily too.
Doc Croc and Yoyo are very entertaining and likeable characters and their roles in telling the story and playing roles in them, namely being helpful or being voices of reason, are done cleverly. Personally didn't find their scenes wasted time or felt like filler. Doc Croc is the more interesting personality and has some nice lines but there is a preference for the adorable and very funny Yoyo.
Most of 'The Six Servants' characters were written well. The lead is a very likeable hero with great sympathetic chemistry with Doc Croc and Yoyo. The six servants have faithful and distinct personalities and qualities, while the Queen is a formidable antagonist. The voice acting fits all of the characters well, especially the Queen who is suitably imperious.
More so than not, the story is engaging, ideally paced and entertaining and relaxing to watch, with emotional impact and cuteness. All the crucial scenes are done well, especially with everything with the six servants and the tasks are nicely handled. There is plenty for youngsters, without being juvenile or dumbed down, while also enough for adults feeling nostalgic and traditionalists, despite being adaptation-wise loose at times. There are enough elements of the original story here, actually it was quite faithful apart from leaving out the swineherd part at the end. The writing is neither too complicated or simplistic, and entertains and charms.
The animation is quite nice and easy on the eyes as an overall whole. Simple and not always imaginative, but generally colourful, nicely detailed, fluidly drawn and the charming traditional look was perfect. The music fits well and is dynamic. The intro has a nostalgic charm and love the storybook once upon a time approach.
All in all, great and one of the best of the series. 9/10 Bethany Cox
