From a very early age, namely from reading Hans Christian Andersen and the Grimm Brothers (adapted well to brilliantly frequently), fantasy and fairy-tales have been dear to my heart and it is highly doubtful that that will ever stop. Along with 1950's 'Heart of Stone', 1957's 'The Singing Ringing Tree' was my introduction to German fantasy, taking a break from my re-visiting Russian period.
Both come over to me, personally, as wonderful films for the same reasons as each other. With a small personal preference for DEFA's most famous production, one of many fantasy/fairy tale adaptations made in East Germany, 'The Singing Ringing Tree'. Not only their most famous film but Really do wish there are more German fantasy/fairy-tale films and those that do exist were generally better known.
'The Singing Ringing Tree' holds up well visually. Like as was said for 'Heart of Stone', it may not be flashy or big in spectacle, the budget and technology being not as advanced at the time, but the story didn't call for that and appreciated that it wasn't overblown and didn't rely too much on effects at the expense of everything else. The production design is suitably rustic and colourful and didn't look simplistic, while it is beautifully shot in colour that never looked too drab or garishly gaudy. The effects have a real charm to them, as well as being well designed and imaginative. Appreciated too that they weren't overused and abused or that the film was over reliant on them.
Music score is not the most memorable or imaginative ones in the world, but it is at least pleasant to listen to, is not too over-bearing or low-key, is used well and fits, not necessarily enhancing but never at odds. The writing doesn't become too cheesy or camp, while being fun enough to stop the treatment of the story from being taken too seriously.
Story is immensely charming, always engaging and sometimes haunting, never too simple or complex so the traps of being dumbed down or being convoluted aren't fallen into, same goes with avoiding the traps of being too childish or too scary even with the surrealism. Nor are the over-stretched or padding traps too apparent either.
Characters are as engaging and entertaining as the storytelling, they are archetypal but not in a bland or annoying way. Will agree that the dwarf, who is still creepy by today's standards, is the one that sticks in the mind the most. The actors suit their characters well, the most fun (and sinister) performance coming from Richard Kruger.
Overall, still wonderful. 10/10
Both come over to me, personally, as wonderful films for the same reasons as each other. With a small personal preference for DEFA's most famous production, one of many fantasy/fairy tale adaptations made in East Germany, 'The Singing Ringing Tree'. Not only their most famous film but Really do wish there are more German fantasy/fairy-tale films and those that do exist were generally better known.
'The Singing Ringing Tree' holds up well visually. Like as was said for 'Heart of Stone', it may not be flashy or big in spectacle, the budget and technology being not as advanced at the time, but the story didn't call for that and appreciated that it wasn't overblown and didn't rely too much on effects at the expense of everything else. The production design is suitably rustic and colourful and didn't look simplistic, while it is beautifully shot in colour that never looked too drab or garishly gaudy. The effects have a real charm to them, as well as being well designed and imaginative. Appreciated too that they weren't overused and abused or that the film was over reliant on them.
Music score is not the most memorable or imaginative ones in the world, but it is at least pleasant to listen to, is not too over-bearing or low-key, is used well and fits, not necessarily enhancing but never at odds. The writing doesn't become too cheesy or camp, while being fun enough to stop the treatment of the story from being taken too seriously.
Story is immensely charming, always engaging and sometimes haunting, never too simple or complex so the traps of being dumbed down or being convoluted aren't fallen into, same goes with avoiding the traps of being too childish or too scary even with the surrealism. Nor are the over-stretched or padding traps too apparent either.
Characters are as engaging and entertaining as the storytelling, they are archetypal but not in a bland or annoying way. Will agree that the dwarf, who is still creepy by today's standards, is the one that sticks in the mind the most. The actors suit their characters well, the most fun (and sinister) performance coming from Richard Kruger.
Overall, still wonderful. 10/10