Quin GootKrabat (2008)
September 5th 2009 02:45
Directed by:- Marco Kreuzpaintner
Starring:- David Kross, Daniel Bruhl, Christian Redl.
I went into this film with very little expectation other than knowing it was German and had Daniel Bruhl in it. After initially dismissing it as being a film about sausages, I happened to take a closer interest once I realised it was about a young boy who is taught the black arts from an evil sorcerer.
The tale of Krabat originated from a classic German children's book written in 1971 by the author Otfried Preußler. With the story having been quite popular in Germany and around the world, it is surprising this wasn't adapted to the big screen earlier, and, going into this film without having read the book, I found myself once again fortunate not to be tainted by expectation or comparison.
Set in the desolate aftermath of the 30 year war (1618 - 1648), the film focuses on the life of a young boy named Krabat, who, guided by visions from a group of mysterious black crows, wanders into a solitary village by nightfall. It is here that Krabat is taken in by the master, accepting a position as an apprentice running 'the mill' in the village. Meeting 12 other boys in a similar position, Krabat works away the months until he realises that all is not as it seems, as he is initiated into learning dark magic from a powerful sorcerer. Realising the truth of his friend's wise words, "nothing in this world comes without a price", Krabat soon finds himself fighting for those he loves, as he tries to escape from a dark unrelenting carousel.
Daniel Bruhl and Christian Redl pull off convincing performances in their roles, especially the latter, although David Kross is a little wooden as Krabat, paling in comparison to the above performances. He does, however, a good enough job not to let the film down entirely. There is atmosphere in the film, which I felt needed to be a strong component in this story, although it could have been better. The scenery is good, but some of the special effects and the overall feel lacked grit, as the atmosphere felt a little rushed and glossy in places. This was evident in the makeup, as it seemed the director felt it necessary to make the actors look constantly dirty without appearing as if they were living in the time that they were. There is, however, a dark element throughout the film, which aroused my curiosity for the book.
The film also takes on metaphysical themes coupled with that good old fashioned boy meets girl tale, inadvertently providing inspiration for perverts to delve into the black arts. Or maybe just fantasy for romantics. For me, I was left pondering the life of a crow. I also like sorcerers.
Worth watching, especially for lovers of fantasy.
Three bananas out of five.
Starring:- David Kross, Daniel Bruhl, Christian Redl.
I went into this film with very little expectation other than knowing it was German and had Daniel Bruhl in it. After initially dismissing it as being a film about sausages, I happened to take a closer interest once I realised it was about a young boy who is taught the black arts from an evil sorcerer.
Set in the desolate aftermath of the 30 year war (1618 - 1648), the film focuses on the life of a young boy named Krabat, who, guided by visions from a group of mysterious black crows, wanders into a solitary village by nightfall. It is here that Krabat is taken in by the master, accepting a position as an apprentice running 'the mill' in the village. Meeting 12 other boys in a similar position, Krabat works away the months until he realises that all is not as it seems, as he is initiated into learning dark magic from a powerful sorcerer. Realising the truth of his friend's wise words, "nothing in this world comes without a price", Krabat soon finds himself fighting for those he loves, as he tries to escape from a dark unrelenting carousel.
Daniel Bruhl and Christian Redl pull off convincing performances in their roles, especially the latter, although David Kross is a little wooden as Krabat, paling in comparison to the above performances. He does, however, a good enough job not to let the film down entirely. There is atmosphere in the film, which I felt needed to be a strong component in this story, although it could have been better. The scenery is good, but some of the special effects and the overall feel lacked grit, as the atmosphere felt a little rushed and glossy in places. This was evident in the makeup, as it seemed the director felt it necessary to make the actors look constantly dirty without appearing as if they were living in the time that they were. There is, however, a dark element throughout the film, which aroused my curiosity for the book.
The film also takes on metaphysical themes coupled with that good old fashioned boy meets girl tale, inadvertently providing inspiration for perverts to delve into the black arts. Or maybe just fantasy for romantics. For me, I was left pondering the life of a crow. I also like sorcerers.
Worth watching, especially for lovers of fantasy.
Three bananas out of five.
| 42 |
| Vote |
