Very tragic, grabs you by the throat

Rating: 8/10 (12 June 2007)

This is a very sad, dark fantasy film with quite some realism. From the beginning on, you will somehow suspect that things will not go uphill and bad things will happen. But when they do, they won't leave you untouched. The tragedy unfolds more and more, with slight glimpses of hope here and there, until the climax will leave you in tears. I can't remember the last time a film moved me like that.
Even though I am more fond of emotionally uplifting films this is such a brilliant, elegant and efficiently told film (at the cost of having caricatures) that it must be seen. Like most great fantasy films (Neverending story, Labyrinth)there is the idea that imagination should be cherished, rather than ridiculed (which the adults of course do in this film). And like in those classics, but in a much bleaker way, there is also a harsh reality that has to be faced.
While depressing, the film ends on a positive note. Even though the killings that occur are meaningless, the lives that were taken were not. The idea that everyone is special (the main character is told she's a princess) and the value of self sacrifice are the ones to stick to despite all the misery.