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With Hameln, ZDFneo successfully transports one of Germany's darkest legends into the present, breathing new life into it. The series blends classic fairy tale elements with modern themes such as guilt, forgiveness, and solidarity, all while remaining both visually and emotionally gripping.

The tale of the Pied Piper, who lured the children of Hameln into the Poppenberg with his flute, is continued here as a chilling mystery. At its heart are four teenagers, who are confronted with the dark past of their hometown through eerie visions and family secrets. What makes Hameln particularly special is not only the thrilling story but also the way its protagonists turn their weaknesses into strengths to break the curse.

Caroline Hartig shines as Finja, a brave archer with a visual impairment, whose presence feels almost priestly. Her determination and vulnerability make her a strong figure for identification. Jonathan Elias Weiske brings rare depth to Sam, the lovable klutz. His uncertainty is balanced by his humor and loyalty-a performance that not only moves but also offers hope.

Equally impressive is Riccardo Campione, whose mysterious role as Romy's enigmatic ally adds a dark tension to the series. His presence acts as a link between the past and present, between myth and modern reality.

Rainer Matsutani and his team have created an atmosphere in Hameln that oscillates between nightmare and fairy tale. The enchanted forests, dark caves, and haunting visions of the children create a scenario that captivates the viewer until the very end. Even minor narrative weaknesses are easily forgiven, as the interplay between the actors and the impressive visual style of the series are outstanding.

"Dornröschen und der Fluch der siebten Fee" might sound like an exciting retelling of the classic tale on paper, but the final product leaves a bitter aftertaste. The film's greatest weakness is undoubtedly its visual design: the AI-generated images feel emotionless, sterile, and artificial. They fail to capture the magic and fantasy essential to a story of this kind. Instead, they come across as a poor mix of generic stock photos and unnaturally glowing CGI leftovers.

The actors also seem to suffer under the soulless visuals. Their performances feel wooden and uninspired, which might also stem from the flimsy script that lacks depth or excitement. The dialogue sounds forced and misses any trace of magic.

Overall, the film comes off as a careless attempt to repackage a fairytale without understanding the heart of the story. Anyone expecting a magical cinematic experience will be bitterly disappointed-the cold, sterile AI aesthetics undermine every hope for a heartfelt fantasy adventure. Verdict: A curse for the audience, serving at best as a cautionary tale.