misel982001

This film is one of the most prominent examples that by the time it was released the direct to video greek films that were flooding the video clubs of that time were coming to an existential end. It was 1989 and the private time was emerging as the prominent means of entertainment in Greece. This film along with others equivalent of that time, underlines this specific transition which is noted by very specific elements: poor directing and screenplay, poor acting and hastily made production along with evidently low budget. This film does not escape this ultimate fate and it is not the best of Stathis Psaltis'. Breadcrumbs of his previous success are still here (some good dialogue, crazy scenes, totally ridiculous charactes) nevertheless the magic is long gone and with it this of an entire era. This film is Psaltis' ultimate swansong in his video club era. Not long after this he moved very successfully to theater productions.

Despite its clumsy directing, obvious low budget and superficial dialogue, Rumpelstiltskin manages to deliver where it was supposed to: being a half riciculous, half horror b movie. To begin with, the directing and plot as a whole is indeed like a hybrid as it was intended. It is full of plot holes, exaggerations but somehow manages to pay tribute to the fairytale. The film itself is full of memorable moments that will make many of us laugh to tears: Rumpel drives trucks, kills with joy and even swallows a broom stick. What else would someone ask from such a film? Acting is not convincing but I am sure that it was not indended to. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who would love to have a 90s night in good company to a scotch on the rocks.

I was expecting to watch the usual Van Damme stuff when I rented this film but I was quickly surprised to realise that I was wrong. To begin with, the acting is very good and conveincing. The character development is satisfactory as a whole. The atmosphere is dim and moody while the story is realistic and coherent. Van Damme acts well above average and the relationship between him and his daughter is touching. As a whole, a very well written film.