Strings (2004)

With an inherently traditional, however nearly perfectly executed plot, and a visual style that justly deserves the attributes "fantastic" and "mythical", Strings is a very singular experience. Be it the dark, allegorical story, the fleshed-out characters or the technical sophistication, the movie is a necessary viewing for fans of fantasy and animation movies.Overall 7/10 My full review here: https://goo.gl/6uzPyr

The whole concept of strings interested me from the start, I'll admit i have a strange fascination with puppets anyway from somewhere unknown, i think probably Fraggle rock and that sort of thing which was re-established when i saw 'being john Malkovich' with the beautifully worked string puppets.but anyway the whole concept of the strings being part of the puppet i found really enthralling, like they weren't quite in control of their own movements as we feel we aren't. the mystical scenes of the sky with strings in looked awesome.the opening scene really captures your attention and you feel so much empathy towards the king that you forget he is a piece of wood and treat him as human from the start.i was really intrigued with the explanations of birth and death and think they really added to make the universe seem believable.on the whole the story was kind of predictable but in a classical fantasy way really worked in the new context. the design of all the surroundings was breathtaking, i think this would be great for kids also, despite the lack of happiness within the story

Strings Directed by Anders Rønnow-Klarlund (2004) The young prince Hal seeks to avenge his father, the king, for the murder made against him. This means travelling in disguise to infiltrate the enemy camp. But his journey brings him another truth than the one he original was seeking after.This is one of the most original Danish movies made in a long time. Never has there been a Danish movie featuring only puppets as the actors of the movie. The technical element of the movie is great. Brilliantly cinematography means that this movie is captured as another "live action movie" in its genre. The art-direction is beautiful and fits the puppets very well. The sound effects-/monologue editing is superb and helps create a great atmosphere, along together with the above-mentioned aspects.This means that it is a pity the story isn't nearly as original as the technical aspects. It is a very typical fantasy/adventure bringing no big surprises. It is shaped very dramatically, leaving no form for humour or funny sidekicks in the movie. This serious take at the story can be pretty linear at times, but if you have the patience to watch through this it can be interpreted as a good sign. Another shame is that there are no facial expression on the puppets, unlike other puppet movies like Team America: World Police. The puppets have the same expression on their faces through the whole movie; which doesn't help the emotional part of the movie.The movie has some weak points, but even though it is still a good movie, and a very original and refreshingly technical take on the puppet movie genre.7/10

About 20 minutes into the film, when you're not that impressed by the awesome abilities of the puppeteers, you get the feeling that the story is not really going anywhere you've never been before.The sad part of this movie is that all it has to offer is in fact the absolutely splendid work done by the puppeteers. The story has been done a thousand times before, and although is not a hindrance to do good work, it doesn't really amount to anything here in strings. If you do not know how this movie will end after you've watched the first 20 minutes then you haven't paid attention. Anders Rønnow Klarlund worked for 4 years on this movie, a little more time on the script would have made the 4 years work shine through.