Trois noisettes pour Cendrillon

Well, I grew up with this movie and ever since I watched it for the first time, it has lost none of its magic. Music, acting, location (near Dresden, by the way), everything is just fine. And there is one thing for sure: no US-version of "Cinderella" can keep up with this one. Some sort of simplicity might make the difference. Although it´s just a fairy tale, it moves your heart.

Growing up in Germany in the 70's and 80's, this movie was one of my favorites. Today it continues to be aired on several German TV channels every year, typically around Christmas, and it has an almost cult following among all my childhood friends and their families. I have never seen the English version, so I cannot comment on dialogue, but the dubbed into German version was enchanting. It is not your typical fairy tale adaptation by story, with a wonderful cast and musical score.

As a child I watched this on a rerun and fell for the enchanting story which whisked me away into a fantasy far from my own rather boring life. I remember being on holiday when it was showing and begging my father to get us home in time to be able to watch it on TV. The story is simply magical and for any audience still holds a romance all of its own. Anyone who has not seen it should watch it and if you remember it then you will know just what I am saying.

I am trying to get hold of it on DVD but so far unsuccessfully.... If anyone knows where I may get hold of a copy then please do send me an e-mail (simonhbailey@blueyonder.co.uk) I would be very grateful.

This is one show that has stayed firmly fixed in my memory and I would love to be able to see it again sometime.

Scarcely anyone in the Czech Republic can imagine the Christmas time without this movie on TV. Unforgettable music, perfect acting and the unique atmosphere contribute to its evergreen popularity even after almost thirty years.

This movie has been part of my life as long as I can remember. Fortunately Swiss TV made it a habit to broadcast it on or around Christmas every year. This would make it seem unnecessary to purchase a DVD, but I did so today anyway, as soon as I noticed it the fist time in the store, I didn't even bother looking at the price tag, which is uncommon for a me as a Swiss...

What makes this movie so unique in its kind is its appeal to every age group. For a small child, it's just a delightfull fairy tale with all necessary ingredients. A couple years older one appreciates the wonderful pictures of castles, animals, hunting scenes. Then I started understanding its special humour. Later of course I fell in love with the gorgeous youthful tomboyish main actress and couldn't see enough of her riding in moon light through a snowy landscape. Then I started noticing how innovative the style of the movie was in its time, how well done the cutting, how fitting the soundtrack. I also saw how well it portrays women as equal partners that are not defined by beauty alone. After all the prince has to acknowledge all of Cindarella's roles, (worker, huntress, and ball princess) before she agrees on marrying him.

Of course it has its little imperfections. Some of the actors can't quite reach the standard set by others. Some tricks like the flight of Rosalie (the owl) don't look right. Sometimes the pics are just a little too "kitsch". But it just doesn't matter. It's my favorite fairy tale movie, and it always will be. It's a lifelong love story, hopefully to be passed on to other generations.