CrawlerChunky
In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.
Doomtomylo
a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.
Aneesa Wardle
The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.
Lidia Draper
Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.
Fitz
To keep this short & succinct: An awesome retelling of Spyri's novel, with minor deviations from the original story.This (Paul Marcus' 2005) version of 'Heidi' starts with a gripping psychological intensity which it maintains throughout the duration of the film. To some degree this intensity is conveyed by the excellent shot composition evident during the entirety of the production, which masterfully captures both the geographic & emotional context of the narrative. The main credit however must go to Emma Bolger, whom I can only describe as a true prodigy of her craft.One would expect fine performances from such practised professionals as Rigg, Chaplin & von Sydow, but it is only when the final credits roll that it becomes apparent how stunning Bolger's performance really is. This is a film where one does not need to suspend disbelief in order to be enveloped & caught up by the narrative, instead it is a truly superb synthesis of cast & crew working harmoniously to produce something truly valuable.Do yourself a favour & see for yourself.
mtr0118
As soon as I seen this picture, I remembered an animated older version of Joanna Spryii's story of the Swiss orphan girl Heidi. Even though the 1937 Shirley Temple Version still stands out for a stellar performance, this version is very decent and adaptable when it comes to touching drama. The choice for Heidi's grandpa could of not been better portrayed by Sweedish screen legend Max Von Sydow. He brings a lot of respect to the character in difference with the portrayal Jason Robards Jr. did in the 1995 Disney version. Though Robards did fairly good, at times I laughed when others considered him a monstrous old bum. Von Sydow is too meek for that type of comment. His aura and decades of experience may have saved this film. Good thing he portrayed Christ back in 1965 in The Greatest Story Ever Told.
NineLivesBurra
I loved this movie. I love old movies but seeing this remake I found I also like some remakes. The only thing I had a problem with was the accents.......Max Von Sydow was great as Grandfather and Diana Rigg, excellent as Grandmamma. Jessica Claridge, seems a little typecast after seeing her in Five Children and it but she does a good job as Clara.Peter Was brilliant, I can't remember who played him but he did the part justice. He was jealous when he should have been and yet the simple goatherd we all grew up loving. He was funny and so unspoilt, and when he kicked the wheelchair, he was all anger and jealousy. His Character is one of the most complex in the book, I feel and he was played brilliantly.It brought back some lovely memories of things in my childhood I had forgotten. I would like to see in a few years, Heidi Grows up, if possible with the same actors/actresses playing the same roles.
bopdog
I went to this movie on a whim, in a fit of nostalgia. I remembered reading the book 'Heidi' as a little kid. And I had fond memories of the old black and white movie, with Shirley Temple. This newest version, with the inimitable Max von Sydow, is earnest, and basically well-meaning. It is true to the book as well. I remembered from all those years ago the passage in the book where the grandfather serves his newly arrived granddaughter roasted goat cheese. Sure enough, in this movie, as soon as she shows up at his mountain place, he roasts up a batch of cheese for her.The satisfaction of seeing a few little details like that aside, this is really kind of a lackluster production. Maybe I overestimated the appeal of a revisit back to my childhood? Maybe it is such a children's story that it could have, for me as an adult, no appeal any longer. Whatever the reason, this production felt more like a 'visual aid' to the book, as shown in a third-grade classroom, than a proper movie. Its production values and dramatic sweep felt more like a TV movie, and one from the 1980s or 1970s, at that.Nothing is missing. The scenery, the costumes, and the actors are all fine. But dang--- nothing about it drew me in, and I was bored out of my mind. I had to slip out after 45 minutes of it. Maybe kids will like it?
