El décimo reino

I wasn't sure what to expect when I saw the previews for this mini series. I thought it was to be a fluff piece on fairy tales. I was quite surprised to see the amazing make-up, the costumes and the scenery. All those things make the series well worth the 4 hours. The storyline is interesting and has a number of fantasy filled subplots. The Trolls were scary and humorous at the same time. The clash of the parallel worlds was done well, with much attention to detail. The different 'kingdoms' were distinguishable and each unique and fantastic. I see definite Emmy nominations and awards here, especially for make-up, costumes, and script.

I watched this at age 10 and remembered it as such a magical and enchanting show. I've just watched it again 19 years later and I felt like a child all over again. Amazing production, brilliant storyline and fantastic acting (the only one I didnt really enjoy was Snow White). I binged watched the 5 parts in one day and loved every minute of it. It's just magical.

'The 10th Kingdom' is something for all ages. It combines every known fairytale, especially stories from the Grimm Brothers, with other fantasy stories, including Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings'. The story is about a girl named Virginia (Kimberly Williams) who enters a fantasy world through a magic mirror. Together with her father Tony (John Larroquette), Wolf (Scott Cohen), who looks like a man but has a tale and animal instincts, and a prince turned into a dog (Daniel Lapaine) they have to save the kingdom from the evil queen (Dianne Wiest). The entire journey they are followed by Huntsman (Rutger Hauer) who is ordered to kill the heroes.

The story is predictable in a way, but original with some nice touches. We have appearances of Snow White, Cinderella and Red Riding Hood for example. There is even a musical number that involves 'We Will Rock You'. As a complete story it is never boring and that is quite impressive for something over 400 minutes long. Most of the funny moments are with Wolf. He is played by Scott Cohen, an actor who I only knew from 'Gilmore Girls'. He does a very nice job with his character. I could say more about the production but that is not really needed. It is entertaining for kids and adults, that's it. To spot all the references to fantasy stories is a nice extra.

When I was first approached to watch this film, I noticed the length and was completely turned away. Ten hours. Who could endure this many interactions with children's storybook characters? Luckily, my wife sat me down and we began this lengthy process. To say the least, I was impressed. Directors David Carson and Herbert Wise did a spectacular job of bringing the magic and detail of fairy tales to the small screen. Through the voyages of our three main heroes, we see so many of our childhood escapes. Places where only our imagination took us before, we are guided through the images of modern television.

Imagination is only part of this miraculous tale. This film keeps with the modern idea of fairy tales with some very dark thematic elements. The scenes with the Trolls and with Snow White were spellbinding. You could literally get lost in this film and never want to escape. John Larroquette and Kimberly Williams are decent in their roles (about average for television), but it is Scott Cohen as the Wolf that literally steals every scene. He plays his part to the fullest extent. Ed O'Neill and Rutger Hauer also contribute well to this story.

Overall, this was a beautiful (if long) story that continually pushed the boundaries of a television mini-series. I never knew where it was going to take me next or which fairy tale it would dive right into. There was never a dull moment and it is a story that can be watched over and over again. This is a treat for anyone with a passion for children's literature!

Grade: ***** out of *****

I was telling my brother the other day that this mini-series is for everyone who ever loved fairy tales when they were kids, and I'm telling the same thing to my fellow IMDb users now. The opening title sequence is one of the most beautiful things you will ever see on TV. The performances are all top-notch, especially Scott Cohen as Wolf, Ed O'Neill as Relish the Troll King and Rutger Hauer as the Huntsman. The guest stars get to hog the limelight as well. John Shrapnel is truly menacing as the Governor of Snow White Memorial Prison, a guy you would love to hate. Two of my favourite dwarfs, Warwick Davis and Mike Edmonds get in on the fun as well. Ann-Margret doesn't really do much with her appearance as Queen Cinderella, though. The really great thing is the story. It reminds us how not all fairy tales are fluffy and sentimental (The Grimm fairy tales weren't just named after their authors, you know), and great new worlds are presented before us (Kissing Town is a highlight.). The romance between Virginia and Wolf is truly touching as well. Humour is also provided by the bungling Trolls Burly, Blabberwort and Bluebell and by Daniel Lapaine as the Dog in the Prince's body ('Prince Wendell loves biscuits!'). There are a couple of hairy moments (the trial in Little Lamb Village) but overall, you will love this. I recommend that you also read the novelisation of this series as it clears up a few plot points.