O Príncipe Encantado

It's about time E.T.A. Hoffman's tale of The Nutcracker and The Mouse King got a faithful adaptation. As one of the what, three people that have actually read the story - it's delightful to see the tale faithfully told, and told for children. In keeping with the tradition started with the Tchaikovsky ballet, it keeps the story light and suitable for children, without leaving out the main themes of the tale. The Hoffman story can be pretty gruesome at places, but this film manages to keep all the details (down to the Krakatuk nut!) in place, without taking away from the charm. They've managed to take some of the ugliest parts and present them comically - which is not an easy task. Good for them! A very good script, wonderful voicework (hey, I didn't know Megan Follows can sing) and just an overall sweet movie. Yes the animation isn't the greatest, but oh, who really cares? It's still a great movie.

I saw this movie a very long time ago and I loved it. I remember I had taped it off HBO or something like that, and I watched it all the time. Just yesterday I went to see the actual ballet, and it wasn't half as good as this enchanting little movie. I was very dissapointed with the ballet, it wasn't bad, it just did'nt follow of what I remember from this movie, a lot of things were different. But since I haven't read the book, maybe the ballet was more on track than this movie. But anyway the movie was much more entertaining than the actual ballet. Even though I am not trying to compare the movie to the ballet, because they are tottaly different things.

Okay, even I'll admit that this is not one of the most spectacular animated films even made, but that doesn't take away from how much I love it. The characters are lovable and interesting, even Clara's family keeps our attention. This movie is a wonderful holiday film for all ages, filled with humor, adventure, and a little romance. It was about time the Nutcracker had a back story and a name. And for once he wasn't ten years older than Clara with a beard and cape (a cape that's always there when he's a nutcracker yet rarely there when he comes to life). I enjoyed how Uncle Drosselmeier's story was presented in a more comical style of animation. And it ends the way all children (especially little girls) always wanted it to end.

The Nutcracker Prince was the first (and last) big-screen movie that was helmed by Kevin Gillis and Sheldon Wiseman, the creators of the cartoon series The Raccoons. Along with big names like Megan Follows, Kiefer Sutherland and Peter O'Toole, it also featured many of the voice talents of The Raccoons, such as Len Carlson, Susan Roman, Liz Hanna, Noam Zylberman and Keith Hampshire (who sadly passed away in 2000). Unfortunately, it didn't become the box office success everyone hoped for, and it flopped. This is a shame, because The Nutcracker Prince is a movie that should be seen. It wasn't just a good opportunity for the animators to show their talents, but it was also a triumph of Canadian moviemaking. The music of Tchaikovsky was put to very good use here, and the song "I'll Always Come Back To You" should have been nominated for a Genie (Canada's version of the Oscar) for Best Song.

If you can find a copy of it on video (it's hard to find nowadays), see it. You won't be disappointed.

Rating: ***

The movie is worth seeing simply for the music. Tchaikovsky composed some of the most beautiful pieces I've ever heard. The use of the music in this animated film is gloriously woven into the storyline. The story is captivating with delightful characters. A great film to introduce children to joys of Tchaikovsky's music.