Featured Film Review
"The Brothers Grimm"
© 2005 Dimension Films & Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures
Starring: Matt Damon, Heath Ledger, Lena Headey and Monica Bellucci
Written by: Ehren Kruger
Directed by: Terry Gilliam
Runtime: 118 minutes
Rating: PG-13 for violence, frightening sequences and brief suggestive
material
Tagline: Eliminating Evil since 1812
Website: http://video.movies.go.com/brothersgrimm/main.html
The brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm are folklore collectors and more importantly con artists. They travel from village to village pretending to protect the inhabitants from enchanted creatures and performing exorcisms. Then one day, they stumble upon a cursed, haunted forest with true magical beings and this was definitely not what they bargained for.
The film is set in 19th century French occupied Germany, and every aspect of the film shows it, the imagery of director Gilliam is sublime. Every single sequence makes you feel you've stepped back in time and entered a world of fairy tales, yet at the same time you can feel the oppression of the Germans by the French, who unfortunately are portrayed in a caricaturist but funny way.
Filmed in the Czech Republic, this is not a portrayal of the lives of the real brothers Grimm, rather it is a fable of how they could have obtained the inspiration for their world famous fairy tales. Though the story leaves something to desired, actors Matt Damon (Will Grimm), Heath Ledger (Jake Grimm) and Lena Headey (Angelika) give excellent performances. However Monica Bellucci's interpretation of the Evil Queen is slightly caricaturist in some areas, mainly because the main villain's active involvement is lacking from the story.
Though the film has it's corny moments, which seem to work for this particular tale, and the hiatus of plotline here and there, it is a definite must see in my humble opinion. I truly enjoyed the imagery; it swept me away to the Germany of two centuries ago, as well as the performances of Damon and Ledger, and the real brothers Grimm's fairy tale characters woven into the plot. And I'll definitely purchase the DVD once it is released.
All in all, I'd give this film 8 stars out of 10.
My favourite quote from the film: Will Grimm: We're here to save your land from evil enchantments. Sasha: Papa, they're famous! Will Grimm: Right you are, son! The famous Brothers Grimm! Look at this strapping young man. Father: *He* is my daughter. [awkward silence] Will Grimm: And a fine wife he'll make some lucky man.
Reviewer: Branwynn Annwn
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