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The Witches [1989]


RRP: £9.99
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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

This splendid adventure-fantasy from 1990 was adapted from Roald Dahl's book, The Witches, and directed by maverick British filmmaker Nicolas Roeg, who turned out to be a perfect (if seemingly unlikely) interpreter of Dahl's fiendishly clever tale of witchcraft in contemporary England. Scary, funny, and wildly entertaining, it's all about a young boy named Luke (Jasen Fisher) whose parents have died in a tragic accident, and whose grandmother (Mai Zetterling) takes him to a posh hotel in England, where a secret coven of witches is holding its annual convention. The Grand High Witch (Anjelica Huston, in a scene-stealing performance) has decreed that all children in England be turned into mice, and Luke and his pal Bruno (Charles Potter) are the first victims on the list. That's when the movie magicians from Jim Henson's creature shop have their work cut out for them, turning Luke and Bruno into clever little rodents and The Witches into a dazzling display of imaginative special effects, using a seamless combination of real mice and superb animatronic puppets. Director Roeg doesn't compromise the sinister edge of Dahl's story, but comedy gets equal time from the brilliant cast including Brenda Blethyn (from Secrets and Lies and Little Voice), Rowan Atkinson (of Black Adder and Mr. Bean fame), and Jane Horrocks (Little Voice) as the Grand High Witch's beleaguered assistant. Although it was largely neglected during its brief theatrical release, this wonderful movie has since enjoyed a thriving appreciation on video--see it and you'll understand why. --Jeff Shannon


The Witches - Anjelica Huston
Review date: 2006-08-31 Rating: 10 out of 10

I watch this film even when the kids aren't around, its a superb film from beginning to end if you're aged 4 or 94. Its a little frightening in places but not too bad for small children. The make-up is fantastic and Anjelica Huston plays the best witch on screen since the Wizard Of Oz....really powerful and evil. I won't spoil the ending but its clever funny and they all get their just desserts 'so to speak'. One of Rowan Atkinsons better parts, Jane Horrocks' cameo role is delightful. You get the feel that this is exactly how Roald Dahl would have wanted the film to be like - full marks !!!

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Reviews


Completely Bewitched!
Review date: 2006-08-15 Rating: 10 out of 10

I absoloutly love this film and one of the reasons why is because for the majority of the time it stays true to the book, whereas some other of the films have strayed form the book, this movie stays true to the origional Roald Dahl classic with only the ending slightly altered.

The movie is centered around Luke, a young boy, who when his parents are killed in a tragic accident is taken to live with his grandmother. The grandmother enthralls Luke with tales of Witches and how they look very much like ordinary women.

When his grandmother becomes ill the doctor suggests a holiday and Luke and his Gran visit the seaside where they stay in a swanky hotel. In order to train his pet mice in secret Luke hides out in the grand ball room but gets the shock of his life when he realises he has unwillingly infilterated the annual meeting of the covern of witches under the guise of the NSPCC. The Grand High Witch (superbly portrayed by Angleica Huston) is a hideous sight (not suitable for small children!) and stirs up her subjects to turn all the children in England or 'Inkland' as she pronounces it into mice using her special formular. She demonstrates on Bruno Jenkins a greedy boy also staying in the hotel, and when Luke is eventually discovered, he is subjected to the same.

However, despite being no more than a small brown mouse Luke manages to break into the Grand High Witches room and steal the potion. He then slips into the kitchen and empties the formula into their soup. Then he and his grandma sit back and watch all the witches in England be turned into mice and killed.

Although this film is based on a childrens story I don't think it suitable for young children and I still get squeemish when the witch-mice are killed and I'm 20 years old. All in all a great movie to own, and some hilarity thrown in by Rowan Aitkinson of Mr. Bean as the Hotel Manager. Worth a watch if you a fan of the book.

An O.K film
Review date: 2004-03-09 Rating: 6 out of 10

the film is good the first time you see it then it begins to get boring the boy who plays bruno is funny though and Mr Bean is in it.Do not recomend for young children.In conclusion the film is O.K.

Brill! 21st january 2004
Review date: 2004-01-22 Rating: 10 out of 10

Brill film, although some scenes may be a bit frightening for young children. I enjoyed it.

the best film ever!!!
Review date: 2003-12-19 Rating: 10 out of 10

I am a big Anjelica Huston fan anyway-but this is my favourite film ever. Anjelica (grand high witch) is absolutely brilliant as well as the rest of the cast.It is a great film for all the family, but possibly not very young children. If you're like me and an Anjelica Huston fan or you're a fan of rold dahl's books- you'll definately enjoy this film.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Anjelica Huston
Jasen Fisher
Anne Lambton
Jane Horrocks
Mai Zetterling

Creators:
Anjelica Huston (Primary Contributor)
Mai Zetterling (Primary Contributor)
Harvey Harrison (Cinematographer)
Tony Lawson (Editor)
Dusty Symonds (Producer)
Jim Henson (Producer)
Mark Shivas (Producer)
Allan Scott (Writer)
Roald Dahl (Writer)

Director(s):

Recording label: Warner Home Video
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
EAN: 5014780067127
Binding: VHS Tape
Number of items: 1
Format: Dolby, PAL, Surround Sound,
Release date: 1994-10-10
Number of discs: 1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Running time: 87 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1990-08-24
Language: English (Original Language)

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