The Magic Flute
Musical director James Conlon conducts the chamber Orchestra of Europe
Based on Mozart's classic opera, this 2006 French performance of The Magic Flute recounts the story of a prince and his companion who must battle evil forces to rescue a princess. Taking place on the eve of World War I, he is waiting for the command to go to battle when he awakens in a twilight world between a dream and nightmare. He is then sent on a deadly mission to rescue the daughter of the Queen of the Night from the dark lord Sarastro.
Adapted for the screen by Kenneth Branagh (Valkyrie), starring young rising opera stars Joseph Kaiser, Ben Davis and Amy Carson.
Member Reviews
Magic Flute - Branaugh - Jacq
Aweful! Magic Flute set in the trenches of the WWI. What were they thinking! Picture blue soldier's uniforms and lots of mud. Mincing nurse/angels exposing cleavage. Do not watch this! Not only that they decided to translate Mozart's magic into English. It is to weep.Magic Flute - dracula
Did Kenneth Branagh set out to find a way of completely undermining the spirit of The Magic Flute? If so, he succeeded completely. Try this: why not set this lovely opera in the trenches of world war one? Imagine Papageno in military uniform
in a foul muddy trench singing that he is a collector of birds for the Queen of the Night! Well, he chose a very good spot!
Don't bother with this film. Honestly.subtitles - manwithoutaname
This film might need subtitles for those who aren't familiar with Mozart's Magic Flute, as the lyrics--subversive and funny, written by Stephen Fry--are often lost in the singing, especially the higher voices. Otherwise this DVD is a hidden gem, with spectacular special effects. It's also a passionate plea for peace, set in the trenches of World War I. Worth a try, for opera lovers or haters.
Member Reviews
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Magic Flute - Branaugh - Jacq
Aweful! Magic Flute set in the trenches of the WWI. What were they thinking! Picture blue soldier's uniforms and lots of mud. Mincing nurse/angels exposing cleavage. Do not watch this! Not only that they decided to translate Mozart's magic into English. It ...Magic Flute - dracula
Did Kenneth Branagh set out to find a way of completely undermining the spirit of The Magic Flute? If so, he succeeded completely. Try this: why not set this lovely opera in the trenches of world war one? Imagine Papageno in military uniform
in a foul ...subtitles - manwithoutaname
This film might need subtitles for those who aren't familiar with Mozart's Magic Flute, as the lyrics--subversive and funny, written by Stephen Fry--are often lost in the singing, especially the higher voices. Otherwise this DVD is a hidden gem, with spectacular ...