Les chemins du courage

I'm 34 and I can't remember exactly when I first saw this movie, but I probably saw it right around when it came to video. I had never watched Heidi before, so really had no experience with the "Heidi" story. This movie could not have been a better introduction and I have never wanted to watch another Heidi version since. I love this movie and we have a family tradition of watching it every Christmas. I also pull it out of the vault and watch it at ANY time of the year because I love it so much.

This movie not only has beautiful shots and scenery in it, but shows that a young woman or any woman for that matter can be beautiful being her natural self. Heidi is gorgeous, naturally beautiful without artifice, and very self confident and sure of herself. She lives her life simply and doesn't know any other way, and even when she finds out that her lifestyle is considered "old fashioned", she doesn't let it get her down.

The story line in this movie is simple, yet tugs at the heart strings. There is adventure, the awkwardness of new experiences, the buddings of first love, new friends to be made, and challenges to be overcome, all the while amidst the back drop of snowy caped mountains and rustic villages.

If you are a fan of period romances, westerns, frontier type movies, or just a simple romantic at heart, then I would give this movie a try. You might be surprised that hidden underneath that unassuming title and DVD graphics is a true gem.

Ohh..did I mention, TOTALLY kid friendly and morally appropriate!!!

As per IMDB's storyline for the film: ' In this version of "Heidi," a young Swiss girl is sent off to boarding school at the beginning of World War I. '

Sorry .. WRONG! Heidi is not actually "sent" off to boarding school in this film, but rather she choses to go - on her own free will!

As usual, IMDB's misleading info. Is written by someone who probably hasn't even seen the film!

The TRUE story of Heidi sees a young girl living in the Swiss mountains with her Grandfather. She needs him and he needs her - as he realises by the film's end.

However, THIS film really has nothing to do with the classic and much beloved story that people of young & old and in between have enjoyed for many, many years. This very far-fetched film's main aim is practically nothing but abuse and neglect - right from the moment Heidi arrives at the boarding school .. and it really doesn't end until, literally, the last 5-10 mins. Of the film.

So, if you're looking for a film about the TRUE story of Heidi, I suggest steering clear of this film altogether. (I wouldn't even rate it a 1/10 AND it's definitely NOT for children!)

This was my favorite movie when I was 11 years old and I'm 40 now and I still love it so much.

I grew up with a book on Heidi so thought I would give this movie a chance. It exceeded my expectations. It has all the elements of a great movie, including an interesting time period, deep characters, drama, cliff hanging scenes, love and spectacular scenery! Extra points for being family friendly!

I watched this movie when it was released on VHS. Over the years I have seen this movie many times, I bought it on dvd a few years back and have watched it with my children. It is a perfect kid's movie.