This is a very difficult film for a grown-up to enjoy. But right off the bat, Cocteau pleads with us to do our best. If, like he asks in the prologue, you are able to watch the film through the eyes of a child--in particular, not questioning everything, not seeking to understand everything, and not expecting "reality"--then this will be a marvellous journey for you.
I admit (hardened cynic that I am), it was a struggle for me. The temptation is to keep asking "why did that happen? how did that happen? what does it mean?" This, folks, is a one-way ticket to an unenjoyable time. If you read the IMDb "hated it" reviews, you'll see that it's the single complaint of everyone that things just didn't make logical sense, or things were left unanswered. But Cocteau says right in the beginning, "The child accepts everything we tell him, without question." These are not just idle words.
Remember that when you start thinking the dialogue is too simple... or when you think the actors are being too melodramatic... or when the plot doesn't make logical sense. All these things will happen. But if you're able to watch through the eyes of a child, it only adds to the magic and charm of this unique picture.
I'm rating this a 7/10 which is very high on my scale. The reason why it doesn't score higher is because I can't help comparing it to Cocteau's later film ORPHEE. Two completely different films--both fantasies about love & damnation, but one is for the child in us, and the other is for the adult. Watch this one first, and then if you like it check out ORPHEE.
I admit (hardened cynic that I am), it was a struggle for me. The temptation is to keep asking "why did that happen? how did that happen? what does it mean?" This, folks, is a one-way ticket to an unenjoyable time. If you read the IMDb "hated it" reviews, you'll see that it's the single complaint of everyone that things just didn't make logical sense, or things were left unanswered. But Cocteau says right in the beginning, "The child accepts everything we tell him, without question." These are not just idle words.
Remember that when you start thinking the dialogue is too simple... or when you think the actors are being too melodramatic... or when the plot doesn't make logical sense. All these things will happen. But if you're able to watch through the eyes of a child, it only adds to the magic and charm of this unique picture.
I'm rating this a 7/10 which is very high on my scale. The reason why it doesn't score higher is because I can't help comparing it to Cocteau's later film ORPHEE. Two completely different films--both fantasies about love & damnation, but one is for the child in us, and the other is for the adult. Watch this one first, and then if you like it check out ORPHEE.