Review of The Brothers Grimm (2005) by Alex F — 01 Mar 2010
A fascinating fantasy adventure that combines that most famous of the Grimm fairy tales with a highly fictionalized, swashbuckling adventure story starring the brothers themselves. Despite the lackluster premise, the movie is actually incredibly beautiful, groundbreaking director Terry Gilliam takes full advantage of the creepy woods in Czechoslovakia as a stand-in for the infamous Black Forest, and sets the whole adventure against the backdrop of the Napoleonic takeover.
Matt Damon gives a nearly unrecognizable performance as a lovable rogue and Heath Ledger does a fine job as his more bookish, story-loving brother. Together they have a great chemistry which really is the selling point of the story, giving a real heart to the beautiful, if occasionally bizarre effects that drive the movie in every other respect.
It is a much better adventure than its own advertising gives it credit for, and the high stylization sets it apart from similar movie fare. It may not stand apart as one of Gilliam's finest pieces, but as it is, it is a fun, innovate take on many classic fairy tales, with a great cast, and enjoyable premise.
This review of The Brothers Grimm (2005) was written by Alex F on 01 Mar 2010.
The Brothers Grimm has generally received mixed reviews.
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