It remains true even in 2024 that film-making techniques, technology, and sensibilities of the mid-twentieth century can at times shine more luminously than some modern titles do, even with all their advantages. Give me that glorious mid-century color processing, be it Technicolor, Eastmancolor, or the Agfacolor we see here, that allows the visuals to pop out in all their vibrant hues, over the realistic but often somewhat drab processing of more recent years. Give me those incredibly detailed hand-crafted sets and hand-painted backdrops any day over the most state-of-the-art computer-generated imagery that invariably looks dated over time. Some instances among the sets, costume design, hair, and makeup are a smidgen less remarkable than others, like the throne room, yet in general we can see the tremendous care that went into every odd and end, and the most beauteous examples - which by all means represent the lion's share - are nothing less than resplendent. To all this add original music that is at once fanciful, playful, and gratifyingly varied, crisp sound design, smart cinematography, and smooth, fluid editing, and even recognizing the relatively unsophisticated nature of this children's fairy tale, 'Das singende, klingende Bäumchen,' or 'The signing, ringing tree,' is a wonderful delight!
The story is simple with only the requisite minimum of characters, character writing, or otherwise rounding detail, yet this is the norm for a work of The Brothers Grimm or their literary brethren. That ethos, and the modest family-friendly tenor, are reflected in some facets including and not limited to the special makeup and non-human representations of characters, some practical effects, or the straightforward plot development. Yet for any viewer familiar with pictures of this variety, none of this is a surprise, and such qualities are in fact marvelously endearing. No matter how much we may deign to scrutinize this or that, the skill, intelligence, and care that went into the feature is plainly evident, from the screenplay with its strong scene writing, to Francesco Stefani's mindful direction, to the committed and spirited acting of Christel Bodenstein, Eckart Dux, and Richard Krüger, among others. Whether one's point of reference are similar flights of fancy from the United States, Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, France, Mexico, or anywhere else, the kinship this shares with its contemporaries is obvious, welcome, and greatly satisfying, and 'Das singende, klingende Bäumchen' is a refreshing change of pace from more adult-oriented fare - and ultimately, truly no less entertaining.
The movie overflows with imagination and heart to match the hard work that went into it, and I could scarcely be more pleased with how enjoyable it is. If one really wants to find points to criticize one could do so; I'll suggest that when the princess meets an undesirable turn of events around halfway through, the change isn't remotely so drastic as the narrative would portend. At that point we're splitting hairs, however, and with a well-rounded plot that comes full circle in the back end, and some lovely, admirable themes in the tale to top it all off of humility, compassion, and empathy, the sum total is really just a joyful treasure when all is said and done. Being fond of some kindred fair I anticipated that I would like this flick, and still I'm all so happy with how richly absorbing, heartwarming, and fun it is, and at length, earnestly rewarding. I can understand how such fare won't appeal to all comers, yet I have a difficult time believing that anyone could watch and not have a good time in at least some measure. I, for one, quite adore 'Das singende, klingende Bäumchen,' and I'm glad to give it my high, hearty, enthusiastic recommendation to one and all!
The story is simple with only the requisite minimum of characters, character writing, or otherwise rounding detail, yet this is the norm for a work of The Brothers Grimm or their literary brethren. That ethos, and the modest family-friendly tenor, are reflected in some facets including and not limited to the special makeup and non-human representations of characters, some practical effects, or the straightforward plot development. Yet for any viewer familiar with pictures of this variety, none of this is a surprise, and such qualities are in fact marvelously endearing. No matter how much we may deign to scrutinize this or that, the skill, intelligence, and care that went into the feature is plainly evident, from the screenplay with its strong scene writing, to Francesco Stefani's mindful direction, to the committed and spirited acting of Christel Bodenstein, Eckart Dux, and Richard Krüger, among others. Whether one's point of reference are similar flights of fancy from the United States, Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, France, Mexico, or anywhere else, the kinship this shares with its contemporaries is obvious, welcome, and greatly satisfying, and 'Das singende, klingende Bäumchen' is a refreshing change of pace from more adult-oriented fare - and ultimately, truly no less entertaining.
The movie overflows with imagination and heart to match the hard work that went into it, and I could scarcely be more pleased with how enjoyable it is. If one really wants to find points to criticize one could do so; I'll suggest that when the princess meets an undesirable turn of events around halfway through, the change isn't remotely so drastic as the narrative would portend. At that point we're splitting hairs, however, and with a well-rounded plot that comes full circle in the back end, and some lovely, admirable themes in the tale to top it all off of humility, compassion, and empathy, the sum total is really just a joyful treasure when all is said and done. Being fond of some kindred fair I anticipated that I would like this flick, and still I'm all so happy with how richly absorbing, heartwarming, and fun it is, and at length, earnestly rewarding. I can understand how such fare won't appeal to all comers, yet I have a difficult time believing that anyone could watch and not have a good time in at least some measure. I, for one, quite adore 'Das singende, klingende Bäumchen,' and I'm glad to give it my high, hearty, enthusiastic recommendation to one and all!