Maria e João: O Conto das Bruxas

The only thing (apart from the title), I knew going into this, was that this was supposed to be trash. Now I like me some trash movies from time to time, so I was prepared for that. Turns out that's not the case at all. Actually this is more of an art excercise than anything else. Anything else also including the Hansel & Gretel stories we know - which the title switch of the names might be the first indicator of.

That's not all that is different - certain aspects seem to be as you may have seen them in other movies, but the majority of the movie dares to be different. In a lot of ways - character wise, story wise, setting wise, incidents wise ... Now that should answer the question some might have had, about the necessity of the movie: are there not enough of these already? Well apparently you can spin this another way - and it works.

Now having said that, it is surely not without flaws, yet the fact it goes places you probably don't expect it to go, handles horror in a way I personally prefer to the in your face jump scares (it is about mood and setting it) and how it is shot (visually) is quite exceptional! You have to be in the mood for this type of film and some may have issues with the pacing - but you can't please everyone anyway!

During the movie, a couple of people left the theater. I think those were the kind of people who don't know what a good film looks like. If you appreciate good acting, suspense, cinematography and a very spooky vibe during a whole movie, you should definitely go see Gretel & Hansel. However, if you go and expect a movie like The Conjuring or IT, I can only say one thing "don't go".

...because the only important thing is the atmosphere in every adaptation of a classic fairy tale. The story is familiar and it is almost impossible for director to give to the viewer his expected story version. And the film gives a honest perspective about a world who lives, from decades in ourselves, serves, in beautiful manner, difficult themes, propose the fair supports for reflection . I do not expecting a horror, a fantasy, a moral lesson. Only a new side of a fairy tale Not original but decent. And Gretel and Hansel is a good one.Because, in simple and precise way, gives the tools for understand yours stories. Because, more than a fairy tale, it becomes, scene by scene, a parable. Because the special effects is well used , the tension is delicate buided, the end is the fair one. And the performances are real good. A film of brotherhood , life purpose and black fingers.

A film that you can fill in the blanks from your own imagination. Loosely following the story Hansel and Gretel. The soundtrack certainly adds to the film. It's not an ott typical USA film. Using the fantastic scenery of Ireland, that can be made to be very haunting. My only criticism is sometimes the sound of dialogue is not clear enough and difficult to understand a few mumbled lines. Otherwise watchable.

....it just falls short, and kind of leaves you unsatisfied. It's beautiful and dark visually, and it had so much potential to be a great movie, but ends up being something better watched at home.