I've just got home from the cinema where I went to see The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. This film is based on a Russian fairytale and the Nutcracker ballet, by Tchaikovsky. I have often heard disgruntled parents complaining that they took their children to see this ballet at Christmas time and were disappointed because they couldn't follow what was happening and it made no sense. Personally, I enjoyed watching the Nutcracker ballet, but I can see that for those who are unfamiliar with the story, it might be a little bit confusing.
I always think that it makes sense to do some research and learn about the ballet you are going to see, before you see it. After all, these are stories told purely through dance, so if you don't understand the language of ballet and you don't know the story either, it could be difficult to follow what's going on.
That said, Disney have taken all the hard work out of the Nutcracker, by coming up with this magical film that not only tells the story of the Nutcracker, but which also gives a back-story to the characters of Clara and Marie. These are the names given in different versions of the fairytale, so Disney have woven them together into one story-line, in their own inimitable style.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms was a joy to watch! It was a sweet confection of a film, with layers of ruffles and puffs of lace on every costume, all in sugared almond colours. Kiera Knightly plays the Sugarplum Fairy, with hair made from candy-floss and a voice that is sugar coated. She welcomes Clara to her whimsical world and encourages her to seek out the magic key from her rival, Mother Ginger and so Clara goes into battle, with her faithful soldier, the Nutcracker by her side.
I enjoyed the film very much, especially the actual ballet scenes, but I would have liked to see more of the Realm of Snowflakes and the Realm of Flowers, as those are my favourite aspects of the ballet. However, the appearance of principle male ballet dancer Sergei Polunin more than made up for this oversight, as I could watch him dance all day!
If you plan to see the Nutcracker ballet this winter, it might be fun to also see The Nutcracker and the Four Realms first of all, so that you can compare the two. I love both versions of this classic fairytale and I am now hoping that Disney will turn their attention to Swan Lake. Wouldn't that make an enchanting Disney film? Meanwhile, here is classical violinist Lindsey Stirling's take on The Sugarplum Fairy theme...enjoy! ❄
xxx
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