HeidiA cheaply produced but otherwise enjoyable movie based on the Swiss book about Heidi, who is sent to live alone with her grandfather in the mountains. Don't even think about watching this if you haven't yet seen Emma in the magical movie In America.
This 2005 adaptation of the Swiss book disappoints with
frequently subpar production values. Especially cutting is amateurish, with
abruptly ending scenes and poor visual narrative. On the other hand the
feel of 1800s has been created perfectly well, and there is beauty in the
wilderness.
The story is about a young girl Heidi, who is sent to live alone with her
outwardly gruff grandfather high up in the mountains. She gets used to the
simple life as goatherd, and when taken away to be a companion to a
daughter of a rich family in Frankfurt, she is deeply homesick. Returning
back home isn't entirely simple however.
 In In America Emma is
absolute magic. She has similar immediate and cheerful presence in Heidi,
and the same distinctive accent. That her performance can be called merely
above average is clearly a failing of the direction far more than of the
actress.
Jessica has a small and simple role as Clara, the girl that Heidi keeps
company to. Not much attention is devoted to her character.
All the characters are believable, mostly well-acted, and the dialogue is
intelligent. Above all, the story is strong and touching. In hands of a
better production crew, and probably a much bigger budget, these actors and
this story could have combined into a great movie.
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Heidi |
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