Cudesna suma

I cannot begin to explain how poor this movie is. Its plot, voice acting and animation quality are reprehensible. Some people seem to have fond childhood memories of this piece of cellulite tripe, and if you do, do yourself a favor and don't try and relive those happy times you will only be frightfully disappointed. Now, I didn't see The Elm-Chanted Forest in its original Croatian (?), so maybe by some unholy miracle it was better before translation... however I truly doubt that that is in the realm of possibility.

I can't even begin to explain mind-numbing lack of substance in this movie. Basically, It makes the Smurfs seem like Shakespeare. Sometimes things are funny-bad or you can assume that they may be more amusing in an altered state of consciousness, but no amount of alcohol or drug induced madness could make me think that there was a single redeeming value to this flick. In short, I have seen Teletubbies episodes with more intellectual fervor than this travesty. Even every bit of loony-tunes derivative innuendo some how seems to fall short of being mildly interesting.

I recommend this film only to a viewing audience of ages 3 and below and highly recommend that if you can actually acquire this obscure animation for your children, that you yourself do not attempt to watch it.

I had the pleasure of seeing this film as a young child. It's impact on me had been so intense, that as an adult now I added this film to my Netflix Que. I highly recommend this film to anyone under the age of 12, as well as anyone who just loves fantasy and whimsy. True adults know when to be a kid..... I digress, although in this day and age movies and cartoons are more advanced, most lack decent plots or actual meaning. You will find that Elmchanted Forest even though created so long ago, has both a great plot and morals that till this day should be taught. If you like good vs bad, talking animals and plants, forgiveness and friendship as well as a zany twist on a story like Rip Van Winkle, then I know you will enjoy this story as much as I have. Maybe even more??

A painter falls asleep under a enchanted elm and is granted special powers. For a short time he is able to paint magically and to communicate with plants, animals & forest gods. He joins forces with a beaver, a bear, a trio of hedgehogs & a thistle to defeat the evil Cactus King.

It's odd. Very odd. You should see it. My rating 7/10

I've seen the movie in both English and Croatian dub and I clearly understand the negative view. English translation and dub made a big mistake. Character names are wrong and much of the story is lost.

On the other hand the Croatian dub is excellent. Animation is OK for late 80's and you should take into consideration that film was made with a low budget.

I remember music being the big part of this film and seeing English version really showed how re-dubbing just makes things worse.

This is a true Croatian animation gem that should get it's deserved appreciation. If anyone has a big desire to see the film, I recommend you see it in its true form.

What just made me think of this movie? I haven't seen I was two years old, on TV. At least someone else on the IMDb here remembers it. And yes, it is very odd. The strangest part is, that I remember every part of this movie very clearly, even though it's been fifteen years since I saw it. I imagine it's not available on DVD.