Have always been a fan of Jim Henson and 'The Storyteller' has always been a timeless classic of a series. Love all the episodes in their own way, though some are more special than others. A very mature series tonally but with enough to not make it too dark for kids with some episodes being quite playful. Those who love the Muppets, 'The Dark Crystal' and 'Labyrinth' but haven't somehow seen 'The Storyteller' yet should do so absolutely.
For me, "The Heartless Giant" is one of the weakest episodes of 'The Storyteller' and a slight disappointment after three especially outstanding outings. It is still a very, very good episode though, which is testament to how wonderful 'The Storyteller' is at its best when even lesser instalments are still very good. Not to mention that "The Heartless Giant" is one of the darkest ones of 'The Storyteller', while also boasting one of the best creations of the show.
"The Heartless Giant" is not perfect. There are occasions where the effects are less than special and haven't held up, especially with the human guards which were clearly obviously dolls in reality.
On a more nit-picky note, this also contained one of the least satisfying closing remarks from The Storyteller, where he sums up the stories. Here what he says regarding the motivations of the giant is not accurate and misses the point of the story.
Conversely, there is a lot to like about "The Heartless Giant". It again looks splendid visually. Absolutely love the atmosphere present in the sets and the episode is beautifully shot, but it is the puppetry that shines most of it. Both spooky and beautiful, with the episode containing one of the best looking, most menacing and creepiest creations of the show in the Giant. A character who was terrifying when younger and still does have menace. The music score similarly enchants, is hauntingly beautiful and its melancholic tone fits like a glove with the story's atmosphere.
All the writing is engaging, poetic, thoughtful, suspenseful and occasionally humorous. The story never feels dull and is incredibly atmospheric, it is based on German folklore and the Grimm Brothers at their darkest influence is obvious throughout. The denouement is one of the show's darkest scenes and wrenches the heart too.
John Hurt is perfectly cast, while Elliott Spiers is an appealing hero and Frederick Warder the stuff of sinister nightmares as the giant. Great chemistry between the two.
In summary, very good. 8/10.
