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.
'King Thrushbeard' is though one of my least favourites of 'Simsala Grimm'. Still a very watchable episode, more than that, and has a lot of why the series appeals so much but the story in general is not one of my favourites and the episode does nothing to change my mind.
Doc Croc and Yoyo however 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 intrusive, although they are more useful when the episode gets going. Doc Croc is fun to watch and has some nice lines but there is a preference for the adorable and very funny Yoyo who has the best lines of the episode.
Other episodes though before and since do a much better job at the fairy tale characters than 'King Thrushbeard' does. The princess, the character one does not like at first in the story but grows, is far more sympathetic than the prince and king, especially the former, actually disliked both characters even more than most of the villains from the series with their treatment of the princess. Do understand why they act the way they do in the story but it's taken too far here and some of the story and what it's trying to say may leave a not so nice after-taste. The ending also seemed rather rushed.
More so than not, the story has engagement and ideal pacing. The crucial scenes are done well enough. There is plenty for youngsters, without being juvenile or dumbed down, while also enough for adults feeling nostalgic and traditionalists. The writing is neither too complicated or simplistic, and entertains and charms mostly.
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.
Concluding, decent but not close to being one of my favourite 'Simsala Grimm' episodes. 7/10 Bethany Cox