This movie to me comes across as an attempt by Demy to create the kind of magic that Cocteau created with La Belle et La Bete, but a failed attempt.
The story was truly silly. I know that's what should be expected from a fairy tale, but this one seemed far more silly than most. What's the point of the donkey that excretes wealth? Why would even a fairy king even think of marrying his own daughter? Doesn't that same king wonder even for a little while where that daughter disappears to?
But even if I forgive all that, the fact remains that the film just never takes flight. There's not the slightest sense of wonder or excitement at any point. The greatest danger for the romance between Peau D'ane and the Prince is not that they will be thwarted by his or her parents, but that they'll die of boredom with each other.
A big disappointment, I'm afraid.
The story was truly silly. I know that's what should be expected from a fairy tale, but this one seemed far more silly than most. What's the point of the donkey that excretes wealth? Why would even a fairy king even think of marrying his own daughter? Doesn't that same king wonder even for a little while where that daughter disappears to?
But even if I forgive all that, the fact remains that the film just never takes flight. There's not the slightest sense of wonder or excitement at any point. The greatest danger for the romance between Peau D'ane and the Prince is not that they will be thwarted by his or her parents, but that they'll die of boredom with each other.
A big disappointment, I'm afraid.