Horst in Translation ([email protected])
"Der Froschkönig" or "The Frog King" is obviously another adaptation (by a trio of writers) of the Brother Grimm story. It's from 2008 and centers around Princess Sophie who meets the talking frog that gets her back the golden ball. The film's director is Franziska Buch and she has done quite a few children's films already. She also worked with lead actress Sidonie von Krosigk in a Bibi Blocksberg movie before. Also in the cast are Richy Müller and Friedrich von Thun who you have come across already if you are familiar with German cinema.I liked the moral on how promises have to be kept and I also liked the way they included the frog. The animation was fine and the voice was annoying and that was only a nuisance in the beginning as it fit everybody's perception of the frog. As the transformation already happens two thirds into the movie, maybe they could have kept it at 45 minutes. Basically after minute 40 not really much happens anymore. The central character splits up with her initial man of choice to get together with her frog prince, but it all felt like an epilogue. One thing that bothered me (but that's also applies to the tale) is how the frog is interested in the princess although she is really shallow and superficial for almost the entire movie and actually also at the ending because she only loves the frog prince as he does not look so hideous anymore. No reference to inner values really. So the main reason he loves her is probably also because of her nice looks. It cannot be the character. Oh and to end the review on a more positive note, I quite liked the "Heinrich, the carriage is breaking" final plot twist near the end. All in all, recommended, especially if you enjoy fairytale movies.
