'Die Goldene Gans' (its English title being 'The Golden Goose') is quite slight and perhaps lends itself better to a short film or television episode, then again that is not unusual for fairy/folk tales. But it does engage and entertain more than enough with a distinctive Brothers Grimm, as far as their stories go it is more than worthwhile but not one of their very best or most influential, fairy tale tone and nicely drawn characters.
There are not many adaptations of 'The Golden Goose' around, but the few there are a long way from disgrace it. This feature film adaptation makes do, more than does so, and anybody interested in watching an old live action adaptation of a fairy/folk tale should check it out, even if it is just the once and if you find that it is not quite for you. It is enough to make one feel why there aren't any more older East German fantasy/fairy-tale films and why those that exist aren't better known regardless of their overall quality.
Starting with the good things, which outweigh the not so good, 'The Golden Goose' still holds up well visually and looks pretty darn good even. It may not be flashy or big in spectacle, the budget and technology being not as advanced at the time, but the story didn't call for that and appreciated that it wasn't overblown and didn't rely too much on effects at the expense of everything else. The production design is suitably rustic and colourful and didn't look simplistic, while it is beautifully shot in colour. The music score has a lot of atmosphere and character, appealing too on the ears and didn't have any issues with it fitting.
Writing avoids being too childish or complicated, so didn't find myself questioning the target audience or cringing at the unintentional campiness. The story has its charm and has enough to it to make it engaging, avoiding taking simplicity too far or being too dark. The characters are engaging, with an appealing lead especially.
Pacing is an issue at times though, at times feeling over-stretched with the film being just over an hour but could easily have been half the length.
Although the characters carry 'The Golden Goose' very nicely, some of the acting tends to be on the theatrical side.
On the whole, nicely done if not quite golden (though never bronze). 7/10
