Heidi [DVD]

Why on earth is a mature, former Drama Teacher, now writer, scribbling away in praise of this film? I mean ... it's Disney, for god's sake - Purveyors of Shmooltz to the President. Well, the telly was on, I was having a cuppa, started watching and got hooked. Saw it through to the end, wiped away a tear, got on the computer and bought it from Amazon at its splendidly silly price. Why again? I HATE SENTIMENTALITY! But this film is not sentimental. As I used to tell my students, there's a world of difference between 'sentimentality' and 'emotion' and the key to the difference is sincerity. Despite its Disney roots, this film is deeply moving because it is utterly sincere. The top-notch cast sees to it. The little Irish girl has Heidi in her gut, her strength of purpose and disarming innocence. Geraldine Chaplin is bone-crunchingly, tight-fistingly retentive as Rottenmeyer but it's not a cartoon portrayal. There's a deep sense of unhappiness about her. Brilliant. Mrs Doyle shows a nastier side as the money-grabbing Aunty! But again, the beautifully conveyed vindictiveness in her confrontation with Heidi's grandfather is high art and stunningly acted. Superb. Diane Rigg plays Clara's kind grandmother straight, as always - warm and honest, a class act. But Max's grandfather is out of this world. Far and away the best thing he ever did. The internal turmoil is heart breaking and he performs with faultless economy and no concession to sentiment. The supporting cast is also excellent. Not an American anywhere. Which helped.For a child this film has the draw of a classic, magical yarn and a feisty little heroine to identify with. As a kid, I dragged myself away from 'Thomas the Tank' and read a few pages of my sister's girly book. Of course, I was far too boyish a boy to read the whole thing but the image of the stars in the night sky, watched by Heidi through a hole in the roof stayed with me for the rest of my life.For the adult this film offers far more than nostalgia. The agonising decisions that we make for the 'good of our children' are cameoed with great clarity and truth. Key moments are never laboured which makes them all the more moving. It's a grown up film with a topical theme, despite the antiquity of the setting. The 'homeless' aspect strikes a modern chord and relates to the split families and unsettled childhoods of our time. As a former teacher it really hit home.Yet there's no misery. It's a multi-faceted and gloriously joyful interpretation of the story. Great comic moments, well crafted dramatic highlights and beautiful settings. Can't agree with the Amazon reviewer. The scenery was fine (Eastern Europe and Wales!) and the variety of accents didn't bother me a bit. I loved the lean towards the Irish. It somehow highlighted the 'town-country' contrast. My favourite line from the film occurs after Heidi has acquired a basketful of cats, saving them from being drowned by a crusty old verger. When they are discovered by a servant in the town house in Frankfurt where she is staying and he threatens to 'dispose' of them she says, "OH, NO, SEBASTION! NOT DA BOOKET!" Magic.This is a fabulous film. And as a previous reviewer has noted, GENUINE family entertainment because every family member will draw plenty from it.Yes. Disney has insisted on the inclusion of: -" I love you, Grandfather."" I love you, Heidi."But the difference is ... they really mean it!

…..story based on original book read as a child.The actors portray the story authentically.Dame Diana Rigg as Grandmama, Geraldine Chaplain as the ascerbic strict Governess to Clara, who instantly dislikes everything about Heidi and what she represents.The Grandfather, who Heidi finds herself foisted on, resists all initial contact, and soon melts reacting to Heidi’s natural kindness, her outspoken honesty and spontaneity.He struggles to find trust again when Heidi eventually returns to the mountains after Grandmama noted Heidi’s severe homesickness.Clara, who uses a wheelchair visits Heidi in the mountains, and Grandmama agrees to allow Clara to stay with Heidi, considering the fresh air would benefit Clara.Peter, the Goatherd boy, is put out by Clara’s visit, and pushes her wheelchair down the mountain, causing Heidi to fall over the edge of a cliff.Heidi is rescued by her Grandfather who demands Peter’s help.Clara’s strength improves daily, and is able to greet her Father by walking towards his open arms.The scenery, locations, depict the books descriptions.A nostalgic period drama, telling the story of human beings caught up in differing motives and life experiences.Suitable for family viewing for all age groups.The book proves educational, prompts discussion about all things family, human, relevant to all times and eras.

Lovely DVD Emma Bolger and Max von Sydow star

Got the film for family member who loved it so all good ,good story,bit of tension nice film!!

lovely story, well acted, yes the accent was wrong with the little girls Irish accent, but looking beyond that, well worth a watch

If you can get past the fact that Heidi has a rather unusual accent for a Swiss or even German child, this is lovely. Max von Sydow makes a perfect Grandpa and Diana Rigg is wonderful as Grandmama. Scenery is absolutely beautiful too and helps you understand why Heidi is so homesick when she's taken away. Bought from Music Magpie (who I've bought a lot of things from in the past). Though they listed this only as in "Good" condition, it was, as usual, perfect.

Top notch cast, glorious scenery and a faithfull adaptation of a much loved classic, this version of Heidi ticks all the boxes.Orphaned Heidi (Emma Bolger)lives with her Aunt (Pauline McLynn - Father Ted) who dumps her into the care of her unwilling Grandpa (Max Von Sydow)at his remote home in the Alps. No sooner has this winsome child charmed her way into his heart than she is taken away and "sold" to be a companion to a disabled girl, Clara, who lives in the city. Soon Heidi is weaving her innocent magic on a cold, unfeeling household run by a Housekeeper (Geraldine Chaplin), but the call of the mountains and her Grandpa cannot be ignored and it takes the wisdom of Clara's Gran (Diana Rigg) to see where the child belongs.Perfect performances from the adults and future stars to look out for in the children, this is a delightful classic that will appeal to the whole family. Highly recommended.

I can’t remember, as a child, how I learnt about the story of Heidi but I knew that I loved it. I watched the film on my own and it reminded me so much of my generous, lovable and smiley granddaughter. Grandad is lonely like me and I don’t see her that often. I will be giving her this Dvd but I want to be the first person to watch and snuggle up with her. When the family move to Scotland I hope that she will also remember me whenever Heidi is read or puts the Dvd on. This version is wonderful, just as I remember the story and makes my eyes water.

"Heidi" is popular children's story of an orphaned five-year old girl that nobody wants. Her grandfather doesn't want her. Her aunt Dete doesn't want her. And the housekeeper Rottenmeier doesn't want her either. Undeterred, she continues to smile and return kindness for coldness, and after three years of being shuttled about, finds happiness, friendship, and family. It's a timeless story by Johanna Spyri, that models the ideals of the Apostle Paul's "Ode to Love," from the 13th chapter of First Corinthians. What are these ideals? Patience, kindness, generosity, humility, courtesy, unselfishness, good temper, guilelessness, and sincerity. "Heidi" has been made into a number of movies, the most famous perhaps, is from 1937, and starred Shirley Temple in the title role. This version was made in 2005 and stars a young Irish actress named Emma Bolger.The story begins when Heidi's Aunt Dete takes her to a mountain cabin high in the Swiss Alps to stay with her cold-hearted grandfather (played by actor Max von Sydow). After being ostracized from the nearby village, he has been living the life of a confirmed hermit, surrounded by stunning mountain vistas. The last thing he wants is the responsibility of raising a young girl. In the presence of Heidi's cheerfulness and can-do spirit, his coldness soon yields to warm acceptance. Next, she befriends Peter, a young goatherd, and accompanies him to the high pastures where the goats craze on grass and wildflowers, and produce goat milk. Heidi learns the art of making goat cheese, which is her grandfather's business. She also develops a strong bond with Peter's mother, and grandmother, who is blind.After three years, her Aunt Dete returns to take Heidi to Frankfort, where she stays with the rich Sesemann family and provides companionship for their only daughter, Clara, who is confined to a wheelchair. She and Clara become fast friends, and with help from Clara's tutor, Heidi learns to read and write. However, the Sesemann's strict housekeeper, the aptly named Fraulein Rottenmeier, finds it hard to accept Heidi whose mere presents seems to provide a constant disruption to her daily routine. In time, Heidi grows homesick and mildly ill, and with help from Clara's grandmother, returns to the Alps to live once again under her grandfather's roof. Heidi and Clara stay in touch via an exchange of letters. Clara's doctor recommends Clara visit Heidi, believing the fresh air of the high country, and her warm friendship with Heidi, will do her good. The following summer with help from Clara's grandmother, Clara visits Heidi and spends the summer with her. Peter the goatherd, however, grows jealous of Heidi's and Clara's close friendship, and pushes Clara's empty wheelchair down a steep ravine. Grandfather rescues Heidi from the ravine, after her failed attempt to stop the wheelchair from falling to sure destruction. At the same time, while attempting to run and save Heidi, Clara realizes she can walk. Over the summer, Clara's legs grow stronger, so that by the end of the summer when her father and grandmother arrive, they discover Clara no longer needs the wheelchair. In his desire to continue Heidi's education, the grandfather returns to town and reopens his townhouse. The movie ends with a happy scene in which Clara is shown playing ball with Heidi and Peter.

I haven't found any other movie for children as good as this. Buy it, you will like it. Excellent story and acting. Beautifully made, I would recommend it to anyone.

イタリア語の学習教材のひとつとして私は購入しました。イタリア語音声・字幕で興味をもって学習できます。Heidiは他にも、映画やアニメのDVDは出されていますが、この作品もよくできているとおもいます。日本のアニメもイタリア語の吹き替え、イタリア語の字幕付きで出ているので、そちらの購入も考えています。

la storia e ' fedele ma e' trattata molto '' velocememte '' data la ridotta durata del film.Comunque gli attori sono bravi ed e' piacevole vederlo.

Beau film toujours appréciable, bien que le monde ne soit plus le même. Les valeurs humaines y sont suggérées. Rien à voir avec toute la violence qu'on propose aujourd'hui à nos enfants (et même aux adultes)