Heidi (I) (2005) User Reviews

A bit more faithful to the book than some other versions

[inge001 · 7/10 · 22 June 2012]

Naturally, there have to be changes when a book is made into a film. But traditionally most of the alterations are cuts made either by taking out minor characters or shortening a long scene or a series of scenes. But in this film they actually added a few things that make no sense at all. Whoever had the idea of making the grandfather come into the village to sell his cheese obviously does not know anything about him. This man does not wish any contact with the people who despise and malign him. And where would he get all that cheese from 2 measly goats?

Another problem is Miss Rottenmeier. Of all the Heidi films I have seen, only the Shirley Temple version presented her as really bad. In most of the others as well as in the book she was just very strict and did not even try to understand the child. However, in this movie she seems quite nasty and full of hate.

One of the reviewers commented on Heidi's hair, and I have to agree. No child of that day would have been allowed to have her hair hanging around so untidily.

While the Alpine locations are beautiful, the fancy neighborhood in Frankfurt is definitely a poor choice. From the windows of the elegant Sesemann house one looks at several dilapidated buildings with plaster coming off the walls in huge slabs.

All in all, in spite of these shortcomings, I'm giving the movie 7 stars, mostly for the writer Johanna Spyri and to the mountain scenery.

Decent story telling version

[mtr0118 · 7/10 · 20 October 2006]

As soon as I seen this picture, I remembered an animated older version of Joanna Spryii's story of the Swiss orphan girl Heidi. Even though the 1937 Shirley Temple Version still stands out for a stellar performance, this version is very decent and adaptable when it comes to touching drama. The choice for Heidi's grandpa could of not been better portrayed by Sweedish screen legend Max Von Sydow. He brings a lot of respect to the character in difference with the portrayal Jason Robards Jr. did in the 1995 Disney version. Though Robards did fairly good, at times I laughed when others considered him a monstrous old bum. Von Sydow is too meek for that type of comment. His aura and decades of experience may have saved this film. Good thing he portrayed Christ back in 1965 in The Greatest Story Ever Told.

Earnest and well-meaning, but kind of flat nonetheless. Better suited for kids, and for TV

[bopdog · 6/10 · 21 August 2005]

I went to this movie on a whim, in a fit of nostalgia. I remembered reading the book 'Heidi' as a little kid. And I had fond memories of the old black and white movie, with Shirley Temple. This newest version, with the inimitable Max von Sydow, is earnest, and basically well-meaning. It is true to the book as well. I remembered from all those years ago the passage in the book where the grandfather serves his newly arrived granddaughter roasted goat cheese. Sure enough, in this movie, as soon as she shows up at his mountain place, he roasts up a batch of cheese for her.

The satisfaction of seeing a few little details like that aside, this is really kind of a lackluster production. Maybe I overestimated the appeal of a revisit back to my childhood? Maybe it is such a children's story that it could have, for me as an adult, no appeal any longer. Whatever the reason, this production felt more like a 'visual aid' to the book, as shown in a third-grade classroom, than a proper movie. Its production values and dramatic sweep felt more like a TV movie, and one from the 1980s or 1970s, at that.

Nothing is missing. The scenery, the costumes, and the actors are all fine. But dang--- nothing about it drew me in, and I was bored out of my mind. I had to slip out after 45 minutes of it. Maybe kids will like it?

A charming and simple film

[allen-118 · 8/10 · 24 August 2005]

I wasn't looking forward to going to this film with my two young daughters. The reviews hadn't all been good.

It starts slow and stays at a similar pace throughout but it is beautifully done. If you were watching it on DVD at home, it may not hold your attention but in the cinema its pure charm is irresistible. Good acting throughout and some amusing set pieces.

My seven-year-old rates it her favourite ever film or TV program and as it has dislodged 'The Incredibles' and 'Arthur' respectively, that is praise indeed. My four-year-old also enjoyed it tremendously.

I'm very glad I saw it and would recommend it to any family. Heidi doesn't get to fight off any aliens or learn ninja skills from her grandfather but stories as good as this have a place for every generation.

Heidi's suffering years

[uncannysnake · 1/10 · 28 August 2018]

I originally wrote more but it got deleted so here is a short review:

Got completely butchered, and is depressing every single minute, even the happy ending that it is supposed to have they ruined in the worst way possible. Not recommended at all, espacially do not buy this for your children!

If you want a good adaption, watch the 2015 version (which is not fully true to the story as well because this story just does not fit into a movie) and let your kids stick to the 1974 japanese series (the one that actually made Heidi world famous because it was so excellent, you know) or watch it yourself if you want to see something that touches you.

Delightful Adaptation

[movingpicturegal · 9/10 · 17 August 2006]

Well done version of the classic story of the orphaned young girl, Heidi (played by Emma Bolger), sent to live with her hermit grandfather in his cabin away up high in the Swiss Alps. Grandfather is an unwelcoming, gruff old man, but he very soon takes a real shine to sweet little Heidi - and Heidi takes to her new environment like a duck to water. Sadly for both, she is soon swept away by her unkind/greedy aunt to live with a rich Frankfurt household as the playmate of a wheelchair-bound girl named Clara - but lively young Heidi soon adds some spark of life to the whole house, much to the chagrin of the meanie housekeeper, a really nasty woman in black who rules the roost with an iron fist.

I have seen a number of filmed versions of this story, I found this version to be one of the best. All the actors are perfectly cast in this, I really think Max von Sydow is *the* perfect choice for the grandfather in this story and Geraldine Chaplin is suitably despicable in her portrayal of the housekeeper. Emma Bolger is an adorable and charming young actress who gives a very endearing performance, just as she does in her memorable portrayal of Ariel in the film "In America". The mountain scenery in this film is very atmospheric and gorgeously photographed, the orchestral score is really wonderful. An especially lovely and heartfelt family film, full of charm. Recommended.

Lacks Authenticity

[SweetPea55 · 5/10 · 15 May 2014]

Having seen several film versions of "Heidi", this one does seem to follow the story line of the children's novel written by Swiss author, Johanna Spyri, better than many of the others. However, being of Swiss descent and having visited Switzerland many times, the lack of authenticity really ruined it for me. The scenery, architecture, clothing and other details looked "off" to me from the start, and you'd think the actors could at least have had German, not English, accents. There is a scene where some village girls in traditional costume, carrying a Maypole of sorts (which is not a Swiss custom), greet Heidi and her grandfather...and the costumes are definitely not Swiss. The two goats' names, Schwänli (Little Swan) and Bärli (Little Bear), which are not difficult names to pronounce and are part of the English translations of the book, were substituted with two goofy "Americanized" names, Dusty and Daisy. After all, this IS a story set in Switzerland and Germany, and deserves to be portrayed accurately. As the movie progressed, it felt more and more like I was watching the film version of a Charles Dickens novel, not one by Johanna Spyri. Of course, when the film got to the credits, all was revealed: it was produced in the UK, and filmed in Wales and Slovenia. Really? The film story line was on the right track...but it's too bad it didn't go a step further and get the details right.

A perfect translation of the original text, beautiful sets and costumes

[stennerj · 10/10 · 8 October 2005]

I wanted to take my two boys to see Madagascar but the seats all sold out, so we went to see Heidi despite a lot of grumbles! From the opening shots of the Alps we were all captured by the narrative and settings. The costumes by Mike O'Neill show great care and attention to detail, the interiors of the Alpine hut are rough and by no means fit for a chocolate box, and the acting was spot on. Max Von Sydow used his usual consummate acting skills to convey a man hurt by life and other human beings, an exile from love. Emma Bolger, with her Irish lilt was not at all cute, but was simple delight to watch. On only one occasion was I conscious she was reciting lines. Heidi brings the old man to life in a slow and quiet way that was gentle and subtle. When Heidi is taken to Frankfurt, the costumes and interiors are authentic once again. If there is anything to criticise in this film it is the slow pace, but this helps in some ways to give the atmosphere of 19th Century Alpine life. A great Christmas film, and a treat for mums and dads too!

I loved it!

[rebschucks · 9/10 · 8 July 2009]

Of the versions I've seen (1937/1968/1982 animation) this is the only one that really gets the story right! For starters, instead of the typical blonde we now tend to typecast Heidi in, we get the little brown-haired girl that Spyri depicted in her book. She wears simple clothes, not the traditional Swedish outfit, because they recognize that she was poor, and those clothes are only worn on special occasions anyways. The movie doesn't try to stray away from the original story with overt dramatic subplots, it simply depicts the story as it was originally told, and as the book is a very simple story, that's very hard to pull off in a movie. I was so glad that they didn't write out more minor characters like Tinette, Grandmamma or the Doctor. They just enrich the story so much and were played beautifully.

Only real critiques: They changed Schwanli and Bearli's names, and changed the name of the Alm Uncle to Uncle Alp. Also the Irish Accent of Emma Bolger could get a little distracting, and Fraulien Rottenmeier and Aunte Dete were a little crueler towards Heidi than I remember... but considering all that was included I was very satisfied. Makes me want to read the book all over again!

Definitely not a story for those who crave a lot of action and drama. But if you absolutely loved the book as a child, this is a great companion piece.

Excellent

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 29 March 2014]

None of the five adaptations I've seen of the classic Heidi are bad, though neither are quite perfect. Despite the too-low rating this adaptation was excellent, though the part where the grandfather goes to the village seemed contradictory to his character and part of you wishes that Max Von Sydow had more to do. Even with some changes, in detail and spirit Heidi(2005) is the most faithful. It doesn't feel over-dramatic like the Noley Thornton version did- which still had a lot of engaging things- and none of it was mean-spirited or too dark, yes even with the slightly crueler characterisations of Fraulein Rottenmeier and Aunt Dete. The characters are true to the book like the delightful Shirley Temple version(which had the most accurate depiction of Fraulein Rottenmeier), treating the characters of the grandfather and Clara sympathetically like the Noley Thornton version didn't really. But at the same time it doesn't fall into the trap of making those like Fraulein Rottenmeier too nice like the 1968 adaptation with Jean Simmons(also a very well-done version) did. Heidi(2005) has a lot going for it, it looks lovely with very attractive photography, authentic period detail and mountain scenery that is a wonder. The music is unobtrusive and matches the pacing of the adaptation very well while not dragging. The script has a pleasant mixture of funny, intelligent and poignant, with you relating every step of the way with Heidi and her life and conflict. The story even with the slow pacing captures the feel of the book just beautifully, it was very heart-warming(particularly in the relationships between the characters), had a lot of charm and the dramatic parts were genuinely touching and never too dark. All the key elements are there and with the right impact. The ending as you'd expect for Heidi is very emotional. The direction allows the story to resonate yet doesn't make it to be stillborn. Emma Bolger is a highly engaging Heidi, like Shirley Temple she was charming and funny and just as photogenic while capable of an emotional range that made her performance moving too. Max Von Sydow is perfect also as the grandfather with a distinctively stoic presence, showing the grandfather's journey from gruff and reclusive to much more loving and warm, the only actor playing this character to do so completely successfully. Geraldine Chaplin's Fraulein Rottenmeier is genuinely beastly(if crueler than you'd expect), which allowed for Heidi's conflict with her to have its tension, likewise with Pauline McLynn's Aunt Dete. Diana Rigg sparkles in the affectingly noble role of the grandmother, and the compassionate Clara of Jessica Claridge also impresses(Peter too is believable). In fact all the acting is fine. Overall, an excellent adaptation. 9/10 Bethany Cox

An uplifting & faithful adaptation of breathtaking execution.

[catalyst8-1 · 8/10 · 23 August 2010]

To keep this short & succinct: An awesome retelling of Spyri's novel, with minor deviations from the original story.

This (Paul Marcus' 2005) version of 'Heidi' starts with a gripping psychological intensity which it maintains throughout the duration of the film. To some degree this intensity is conveyed by the excellent shot composition evident during the entirety of the production, which masterfully captures both the geographic & emotional context of the narrative. The main credit however must go to Emma Bolger, whom I can only describe as a true prodigy of her craft.

One would expect fine performances from such practised professionals as Rigg, Chaplin & von Sydow, but it is only when the final credits roll that it becomes apparent how stunning Bolger's performance really is. This is a film where one does not need to suspend disbelief in order to be enveloped & caught up by the narrative, instead it is a truly superb synthesis of cast & crew working harmoniously to produce something truly valuable.

Do yourself a favour & see for yourself.

Definitely a must see. I bought it on DVD because I loved it so much.

[NineLivesBurra · 9/10 · 4 September 2006]

I loved this movie. I love old movies but seeing this remake I found I also like some remakes. The only thing I had a problem with was the accents.......Max Von Sydow was great as Grandfather and Diana Rigg, excellent as Grandmamma. Jessica Claridge, seems a little typecast after seeing her in Five Children and it but she does a good job as Clara.

Peter Was brilliant, I can't remember who played him but he did the part justice. He was jealous when he should have been and yet the simple goatherd we all grew up loving. He was funny and so unspoilt, and when he kicked the wheelchair, he was all anger and jealousy. His Character is one of the most complex in the book, I feel and he was played brilliantly.

It brought back some lovely memories of things in my childhood I had forgotten.

I would like to see in a few years, Heidi Grows up, if possible with the same actors/actresses playing the same roles.

Superbly adapted from the classic novel. I loved it !

[durkinportraits · 10/10 · 29 October 2006]

Overall this is our favorite version of Heidi in film. We purchased it and extra copies of the novel for gifts. Our family watched this movie anticipating the same cutesy antics and departures from the novel as before but were surprised to find this one quite close to the book. It is a bit more somber than the book in my view but this adds a real 19th century feel anyway. Emma Bolger plays Heidi with enough childlike charm, her shining eyes and sweet grin helped me forgive a few tiny flaws in her young acting. Max Von Sydow plays Grandfather immaculately with the right amount of grumpiness and compassion. The best performance I think is Del Synott as Sebastian the butler! The only thing I wish the director would have done differently is to spend more time on Heidi's enjoyment in the pastures. I recommend watching this movie then going back to the read the book once again if it has been awhile. It is a truly heartwarming story.

Don't be too quick to judge!

[ghcheese · 9/10 · 10 January 2019]

I loved the old movie. I don't think this is as good, but it is good. I would suggest for you to watch this movie. And if you would watch the original as well. Very good story. It's nice when they make movies the whole family can watch and enjoy. Thanks for this one.