There are fairy/folk tales that perhaps lend themselves better to short films or television episodes. Would class 'Das Tapfere Schneiderlein', translated into English as 'The Brave Tailor' as actually a fairy/folk tale that has enough to sustain just about feature length, with a lot going on. It is typically for the Brothers Grimm (or at least their collection of tales) entertaining and engaging, even if not among their most imaginative.
1956's 'Das Tapfere Schneiderlein' makes do as an older adaptation of a story that is not adapted an awful lot compared to other Brothers Grimm fairy/folk tales, even if you only see it once. Seen as part of my older East German fairy/folk tale quest, it is not one of the best but it is a definite interest point for those interested in seeing older fairy/folk tale stories adaptations. The case with me. Still continue to feel why there aren't any more of these old East German fairy/folk tale film adaptations around and why those that are available aren't better known, because most are better than a lot of fairy/folk tale adaptations made in recent years.
It has its dull and occasionally aimless stretches and the film could have shorter by about ten minutes, despite saying that the story has enough to fill a length longer than a short film/television episode length.
Not all the acting is the best, Christel Bodenstein's performance can tend to be pantomimic but the character is part of the problem, difficult to bring much endearing to anybody with a selfish, vindictive character trait.
However, 'Das Tapfere Schneiderlein' has a lot of good things. Visually it holds up with imaginative production design particularly. It was appreciated that it wasn't too flashy or big in spectacle at the risk of being overblown and not too much on effects at the expense of everything else. Atmosphere, whimsy and character is peppered in the music. A nice job is done mostly with the characters, with an easy to root for protagonist/titular character.
'Das Tapfere Schneiderlein' doesn't get too mature or too dark that it is inaccessible for younger audiences, yet it also doesn't get too childish that adults feel there's not enough for them. It would have been a shame if either or both of those things happened because 'The Brave Little Tailor' is a story that has enough appeal for both target audiences and suitable for the whole family. Even if familiarity with the story may need to be in order perhaps. The story is charming and entertaining on the most part, it does get strange but weird in an intriguing, fun way and not in a way that cohesion is lost.
All in all, nicely done. 7/10
