Fairy Tale - A True Story [VHS] [1998]

Children will love the story about two young girls who fool so many silly grown-ups into believing that fairies really do exist.

Adults will appreciate the film even further for the clever allegory that it offers us. The charming innocence of the girls is a snapshot of the innocence and naivety of Britain itself as it happily strolled into the slaughter house that was World War One, convinced that it "would all be over by christmas". The images that the film gives us of cynical, exhausted troops, many horribly wounded, coming back from the front line say more about the futility and anguish of war than any number of over-blown Vietnam-fests.

This is a remarkable film, beautifully acted to a literate and intelligent script. Your kids will love it and so will you.


Sensitive and Magical   December 14, 2002
dreamsunderyourfeet (UK)
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

This is not simply a movie for kids, it works on too many levels to be pinned down to one age group. I found this film both sensitive and beautiful. Capturing and holding onto a childs perspective and innocence. For me this was particularly interesting since I have heard so many stories regarding fairys and the association of them around those that are very ill or close to death. Also, the fact the I grew up with my parents telling me about the legend of these two girls and their photo's of fairys. So to see it finally put to film was very interesting indeed. Fortunately (no offence to any Americans) it has retained its very British roots and stayed pretty faithful to the story I grew up with.


A film to trigger the magic of a nearly-known other-world.   March 31, 2001
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

Having a definite interest in the occult, and having been disappointed in earlier attempts to portray this genre ("GHOST" excepted), I watched this mainly because I had heard of the events of 1917 it re-enacts, and believed this to be a largely documentary-oriented film which would tell me the full story. Wow! I was soon enlightened! I have rarely seen a film wholly lacking (for me) any element I would rather have missed. Acting, filming, special effects (how wonderful to see them UNDER-stated for a change) and screenplay were brought together by a director of very fine judgement, and a remarkable score framed the whole to perfection. The humourous element, also, was neither too heavy nor too slight as to be noticed. This is the best film I have seen since "Love Story", in the way it lacked any hint of either obscure subtlety, blatant obviousness or that worn-out device - "Dramatic Effect". It was, in a word: "Romantic". Hooray! Recommended for all kids and their grand-children.


A very endearing and charming story   November 19, 2000
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

A well adapted and acted representation of a well known legend, which brings warmth to your heart and hope to the soul, much like the original events in 1917. A wonderful film which is worth watching again and again.


sheer enjoyment   January 29, 2009
europhile
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Don't be put off by this being a Spanish import, it can be played in it's original English, and well worth the confusion of selecting the menu option! Another excellent film that seems to have been bypassed by most people, captivating and moving, with great acting, especially the two girls.