Heidi

Overall this is our favorite version of Heidi in film. We purchased it and extra copies of the novel for gifts. Our family watched this movie anticipating the same cutesy antics and departures from the novel as before but were surprised to find this one quite close to the book. It is a bit more somber than the book in my view but this adds a real 19th century feel anyway. Emma Bolger plays Heidi with enough childlike charm, her shining eyes and sweet grin helped me forgive a few tiny flaws in her young acting. Max Von Sydow plays Grandfather immaculately with the right amount of grumpiness and compassion. The best performance I think is Del Synott as Sebastian the butler! The only thing I wish the director would have done differently is to spend more time on Heidi's enjoyment in the pastures. I recommend watching this movie then going back to the read the book once again if it has been awhile. It is a truly heartwarming story.

As soon as I seen this picture, I remembered an animated older version of Joanna Spryii's story of the Swiss orphan girl Heidi. Even though the 1937 Shirley Temple Version still stands out for a stellar performance, this version is very decent and adaptable when it comes to touching drama. The choice for Heidi's grandpa could of not been better portrayed by Sweedish screen legend Max Von Sydow. He brings a lot of respect to the character in difference with the portrayal Jason Robards Jr. did in the 1995 Disney version. Though Robards did fairly good, at times I laughed when others considered him a monstrous old bum. Von Sydow is too meek for that type of comment. His aura and decades of experience may have saved this film. Good thing he portrayed Christ back in 1965 in The Greatest Story Ever Told.

I went to this movie on a whim, in a fit of nostalgia. I remembered reading the book 'Heidi' as a little kid. And I had fond memories of the old black and white movie, with Shirley Temple. This newest version, with the inimitable Max von Sydow, is earnest, and basically well-meaning. It is true to the book as well. I remembered from all those years ago the passage in the book where the grandfather serves his newly arrived granddaughter roasted goat cheese. Sure enough, in this movie, as soon as she shows up at his mountain place, he roasts up a batch of cheese for her.

The satisfaction of seeing a few little details like that aside, this is really kind of a lackluster production. Maybe I overestimated the appeal of a revisit back to my childhood? Maybe it is such a children's story that it could have, for me as an adult, no appeal any longer. Whatever the reason, this production felt more like a 'visual aid' to the book, as shown in a third-grade classroom, than a proper movie. Its production values and dramatic sweep felt more like a TV movie, and one from the 1980s or 1970s, at that.

Nothing is missing. The scenery, the costumes, and the actors are all fine. But dang--- nothing about it drew me in, and I was bored out of my mind. I had to slip out after 45 minutes of it. Maybe kids will like it?

I wasn't looking forward to going to this film with my two young daughters. The reviews hadn't all been good.

It starts slow and stays at a similar pace throughout but it is beautifully done. If you were watching it on DVD at home, it may not hold your attention but in the cinema its pure charm is irresistible. Good acting throughout and some amusing set pieces.

My seven-year-old rates it her favourite ever film or TV program and as it has dislodged 'The Incredibles' and 'Arthur' respectively, that is praise indeed. My four-year-old also enjoyed it tremendously.

I'm very glad I saw it and would recommend it to any family. Heidi doesn't get to fight off any aliens or learn ninja skills from her grandfather but stories as good as this have a place for every generation.

I wanted to take my two boys to see Madagascar but the seats all sold out, so we went to see Heidi despite a lot of grumbles! From the opening shots of the Alps we were all captured by the narrative and settings. The costumes by Mike O'Neill show great care and attention to detail, the interiors of the Alpine hut are rough and by no means fit for a chocolate box, and the acting was spot on. Max Von Sydow used his usual consummate acting skills to convey a man hurt by life and other human beings, an exile from love. Emma Bolger, with her Irish lilt was not at all cute, but was simple delight to watch. On only one occasion was I conscious she was reciting lines. Heidi brings the old man to life in a slow and quiet way that was gentle and subtle. When Heidi is taken to Frankfurt, the costumes and interiors are authentic once again. If there is anything to criticise in this film it is the slow pace, but this helps in some ways to give the atmosphere of 19th Century Alpine life. A great Christmas film, and a treat for mums and dads too!