The Elm-Chanted Forest

I had the pleasure of seeing this film as a young child. It's impact on me had been so intense, that as an adult now I added this film to my Netflix Que. I highly recommend this film to anyone under the age of 12, as well as anyone who just loves fantasy and whimsy. True adults know when to be a kid..... I digress, although in this day and age movies and cartoons are more advanced, most lack decent plots or actual meaning. You will find that Elmchanted Forest even though created so long ago, has both a great plot and morals that till this day should be taught. If you like good vs bad, talking animals and plants, forgiveness and friendship as well as a zany twist on a story like Rip Van Winkle, then I know you will enjoy this story as much as I have. Maybe even more??

I saw it as an infant and didn't understand much of it, obviously. Found it fairly creepy even then but now I see it, seems so obvious that it wasn't American. This was just before my big Disney binge started so this film was more like a taste test. Don't think I've developed a taste for European animation.

A painter falls asleep under a enchanted elm and is granted special powers. For a short time he is able to paint magically and to communicate with plants, animals & forest gods. He joins forces with a beaver, a bear, a trio of hedgehogs & a thistle to defeat the evil Cactus King.

It's odd. Very odd. You should see it. My rating 7/10

I've seen the movie in both English and Croatian dub and I clearly understand the negative view. English translation and dub made a big mistake. Character names are wrong and much of the story is lost.

On the other hand the Croatian dub is excellent. Animation is OK for late 80's and you should take into consideration that film was made with a low budget.

I remember music being the big part of this film and seeing English version really showed how re-dubbing just makes things worse.

This is a true Croatian animation gem that should get it's deserved appreciation. If anyone has a big desire to see the film, I recommend you see it in its true form.

I remember I saw this movie when I was little and then I would watch it over and over again. I too can remember every detail of this movie, it is engraved in my memory. I loved it and I haven't seen it anywhere recently. My sister and I always talk about this movie and another quite similar called "Katy the Caterpillar". Although "Katy the Caterpillar" is in Spanish both dealt with finding your true self in order to achieve what you were meant to do. These movies are from our childhood. If anyone gets to see this movie enjoy it...it is very good. The film is kind of weird but very fun to watch, I believe many children, (now adults) who have seen it will agree with this. The movie takes you into a magical world that only children understand I hope that if I see today I will still have that same experience. I also remember that the fact that the main character could suddenly paint beautifully made me want to paint. I would get a paint brush and water colors and begin my master piece :)