Directed by:
Nicolas RoegScreenplay:
Allan ScottCinematography:
Harvey HarrisonComposer:
Stanley MyersCast:
Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Jasen Fisher, Jane Horrocks, Rowan Atkinson, Bill Paterson, Brenda Blethyn, Emma Relph, Ola Otnes, Jenny Runacre, Sukie Smith (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
Young Luke and his grandmother, on vacation in England, have just checked into a hotel. Also in the premises is the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, a false moniker that hides the fact that the organization's members are really evil-minded, mask-wearing, child-hating witches! And they have all gathered to discuss a most fiendish plot: to turn all children into mice, by feeding them poisonous chocolate. Luke overhears the heinous plans when he eavesdrops on the women, but unfortunately they capture him and turn him into a mouse. Unlucky Luke must scurry back up to his room -- without getting killed -- and alert his grandmother of the witches' intentions, before it's too late. Then, the neophyte rodent must find a way to become human again... (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (2)
So my childish self didn't dream of it then, this is indeed a horror movie in many scenes. Terrifying bleakness alternates from beginning to end with the conviction that everything will turn out well, and the mood is very similar to that of Karel Zeman's The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Now, together with scaring, The Witches also entertains, thanks to black humour, great make-up effects and puppets and of course the performances of Anjelica Huston and Rowan Atkinson.
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If Roald Dahl had been the author of the fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel," he would probably have let Gretel be eaten by the malicious witch, whom Hansel would push into the oven after an exciting battle, but the witch would have managed to cast an unpleasant spell on Gretel before that. It's simply somewhat darker compared to more relaxed fairy tales, but at the same time, it is equipped with humor that is ironic and sarcastic, similar to German classics. It has more of a children's horror character, which is constantly comically trashed in the style of Sam Raimi. Thanks to the ironic exaggeration, the audience can also enjoy Rowan Atkinson in the ungrateful role of the hotel manager who is futilely fighting against the invasion of rodents at the moment when the witches at their congress decide to turn all the children into mice. The Witches is a made-for-television film, which is reflected in the visuals and special effects used, but the cast is charming and Dahl's literary style is evident. Overall impression: 60%.
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