Good, but not what you probably think it is

Rating: 7/10 (7 February 2007)

My impression has been that this film is being marketed as some girl's fanciful creation of a fantasy world into which she retreats during a time of upheaval. Technically, that's probably true. But not the way Americans might expect it to be.
If you expect to be drawn into Willie Wonka's chocolate factory for 90 minutes, you will be very disappointed. I would hazard that perhaps only about 30 minutes is spent in any sort of alternate reality. And that reality, while generally visually appealing, is actually much darker than Wonka's, for the most part.
Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed this film considerably. But it's not "Chronicles of Narnia." There are rather graphic acts of violence, and the escape the girl finds in her alternate reality isn't exactly as rosy as you might expect. Every time you think maybe you should turn away from the screen in anticipation of what is about to happen, turn away, because that's exactly what is about to happen.
The positive notes are not as readily digestible as they generally are in American movies. You have to be willing to accept that you have to work a little to find them.
Finally, I would recommend this movie, but don't go if you're expecting something light or fanciful.
Take care.