This is indeed a wonder of a film and next to something of a cinematic ideal, giving associations directly to George Méliès and his pioneering cinematic idealism, committing himself to any experiment just to fulfil his ideals. But this is not only next to an ideal film but also a literary masterpiece with an impressingly brilliant and ingenious dialogue all through, written by Erich Kästner. To this comes most appropriate music gilding all the best scenes, adding also oral beauty to the visionally perfect dreamworld, enhancing highlights like the ride on the cannon ball, on which the Baron in a typically delightful whim raises his hat to salute the audience, just one of innumerable instances of glorious genius. It's even hilariously funny, the cuckoo duel taking the prize for unforgettability. This is definitely a lasting and outstanding example of cinema at its best, satisfying all criteria for timelessness in beauty, story, imagery, humanity, humour, imagination and inspiration. This is one of those films you can always return to for watching again with new eyes discovering new gems and details of wonder, grace and cinematic glory.
Just the opening scene is a marvel, showing a sumptuous 18th century ball gradually being infected by anachronisms, turning the whole thing over into lasting timelessness...
A friend of mine made an important comment: "It has to be mentioned that Erich Kästner couldn't use hos own name, but had to use the name Berthold Bürger. Kästner was one of the authors whose books were burned by the Nazis in 1933. He became pacifist during the first world war and wrote the famous "Kennst du das Land wo die Kanonen blühn?"
Just the opening scene is a marvel, showing a sumptuous 18th century ball gradually being infected by anachronisms, turning the whole thing over into lasting timelessness...
A friend of mine made an important comment: "It has to be mentioned that Erich Kästner couldn't use hos own name, but had to use the name Berthold Bürger. Kästner was one of the authors whose books were burned by the Nazis in 1933. He became pacifist during the first world war and wrote the famous "Kennst du das Land wo die Kanonen blühn?"