a gruesome adventure

Rating: 8/10 (24 February 2007)

This film was very much everything it promised from the trailers, and also very unlike what it seemed. Reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia, it seemed to be child's movie in an adult world. Its theme seemed to be similar, that children's magic is often accompanied by grisly realities. A child's fantasy that should not be seen by children, and only adults can handle watching, if that. In that way it is very realistic, even though there are impossibilities and moments of complete magic and abandon. At times shockingly grotesque, and at others haunting and lilting, it is a movie to enjoy and be afraid of. Children absolutely should not see it.