Mara und der Feuerbringer

I have just recently come across this movie. Unfortunately it had not been advertised much and was screened only at times that were not very convenient for a working adult. The reason for that probably was that it is based on a book series for young people - but that also applies to Harry Potter, Narnia or the Golden Compass.

The author himself, Tommy Krappweis, wrote the script and directed the movie. With regards to the special effects it stands up to the likes of The Lord of the Rings, as John P. Nugent has played a major role in the production. There is even a cameo appearance by Billy Boyd. The facts related to the Nordic gods are well researched and have been checked by the Austrian professor for linguistic, Scandinavian and medieval studies Rudolf Simek. Garb, equipment and interpretation are up to the current state of research, so the movie can even be labelled as educational.

Enough has been written about the plot already, and I don't want to give any spoilers. People who have read the books before are up for a surprise - and the other way round, it is absolutely worthwhile to read the books too for those who have watched the movie.

"Mara und der Feuerbringer" offers good entertainment for all ages, from school child to grandparent. As a result it is really worth buying it on DVD or BlueRay. Every time you watch it you will discover new details, smile at another point or laugh even more about a well timed gag. The bonus material offers interesting insights and, in a way, forces you to rewatch the movie again while looking out for what you just learned.

I really hope that the sequel can follow soon.

With Mara and the Fire Bringer Tommy Krappweis has succeeded in creating something very special: a film that is fun for everyone. Whether you're a child, a teenager, young adult, mom, dad, grandma, grandpa who is enthusiastic about fantasy, it doesn't matter - there's something in it for all ages. The story is not a poor imitation of familiar stories that are constantly being remade, but it has its very own handwriting. The many, sometimes well hidden gags and allusions emphasize the subtle humor and those who watch closely (or simply see the film more than once) will always discover something that they have not seen before. High-profile "guest stars" have cameo appearances. You can learn in the film about the kinds of Nordic Germanic mythology without the feeling of being lectured to. It also deals with clarity with abuse by the Nazis in the Third Reich. The actors of the individual characters are perfectly selected, including Esther Schweins as Mara's esoteric crazy mama, Christoph Maria Herbst as Loki, Jan Josef Liefers as professor Weissinger or Lilian Prent as the typical stubborn, dissatisfied Tenny Mara. Tommy Krappweis has proved with this film that even German fantasy films can be really great. It's a definite 'must watch'.

I loved the books by Tommy Krappweis and were very excited, when he announced to make a movie out of it. And the first movie is just great. Full of great characters (love Professor Weissinger, Maras mum, Loki and of course Mara herself - and a lot of smaller roles, like Larissa or the little boy, she mocks), an exciting story - I was always a fan of norse mythology and I read a lot of sagas in my time, so I liked the idea of an adventure about the norse gods - and much more. The special effects are very good - especially the lindworm and the music fits the story very well. all in all a wonderful movie for all fans of Harry Potter, Inkheart, Midnight Circus or Percy Jackson and similar fandoms. What I liked the most is, that you can see that the author himself worked on the movie. The inevitable cuts from the books made sense and the dialogs were just as funny as in the book. I so hope that we will see the second and third book made into movies.

I am surprised that this movie tanked in Germany. I reckon the German general public does not believe they are able to make Fantasy movies. Or they are overfed by the stuff they get from America and other countries. But this, while obviously aiming at a younger audience is by no way worse than something like the 5th wave (the movie adaptation that is, haven't read either novel). Quite the opposite, one could make a strong case, that while 5th wave has better actors overall involved, this right here makes the better movie.

Still the success or lack thereof speaks a different language and it's almost a shame. Dialog is good, the acting is decent too and you have some really good effects too (considering the budget and all). The story of a teenager might not be something for everyone, but the humor is light and it works as does the flow of the story. Some flaws and hurdles along the way, shouldn't be too much of an obstacle on your way to enjoy this

I really loved this film, even when it wasn't advertised at all in my town and it also just could be seen for a week! Seven days! In a town with more than 200.000 people living in it...... Why ? :'(

People said "it is a German production, it will be boring". Well, I would say "it is a German production, great it wasn't boring at all!!!" The female main actress was playing very well, the male main actor also, I liked the animations. It seemed to me that they hadn't as much money as they wanted to, but that isn't their fault. For me it could have been a longer film, and I would like to see that they will make a second part or something else like this.