jwtrox08706 It had been a long time since I had seen this film. Actually, the last time I had seen this was when I was a child. This film was essentially my view of how The Nutcracker should be since it was the first adaptation of The Nutcracker I had seen. When I recently watched it, the wonderful memories of childhood and Christmas when I was younger all came flooding back. Now, as a young man with more knowledge of film, it was a true pleasure and treat to go back and watch this and be able to see it from many different perspectives. And from each perspective, this film is very well-done.First of all, the adaptation of the story is very well-done. The voice acting is superb. Kiefer Sutherland is excellent as Hans/The Nutcracker. Peter O'Toole was excellent as Pantaloon, bringing the voice of a gentleman to the old soldier. Peter Boretski was a perfect choice for Uncle Drosselmeier. I remember liking Drosselmeier, but at the same time being somewhat afraid of him, as a child. Those names I have mentioned are just a few examples of how well the voice acting is done.The music used, of course, is Tchaikovski's The Nutcracker, and I believe the performance of The Nutcracker used for this film was very well-done. The music and the on screen action intertwine together almost perfectly. I really don't have much to say about it, because there's nothing I can say.The animation is wonderful. It's all handmade. I do believe there is not a single computer- generated sequence in this film, and that is wonderful. Quality animation done by hand is such a rarity today, and it just has that certain magic about it that computers cannot recreate. When Drosselmeier tells the story of how Hans came to be The Nutcracker, the animation has a certain surrealistic twist to it. It's subtle, but noticeable. It is appropriate since what we are seeing is a story being told by one of the characters in the story. While the surrealism is not as heavy, I can just draw a connection to the film "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" where much of the film is a story being told by one of the main characters, and since it is a story being told, the sets are distorted as only a classic German Expressionist film can. Additionally, the animation toward the end in The Land of the Dolls also has this surrealistic sense to it, but in a different way.Overall, I must say this film is a definite choice for a family to sit and watch during the Christmas Season. It makes much of the new stuff that is being shown on television today look like crap (and much of it is). There are some moments that I think most of the parents today would say, "children shouldn't see this, that's horribly violent." Well, hey, I saw this film a lot as a kid and I turned out just fine. It's those tastefully done moments of "violence" along with other parts of the film such as Drosselmeier's story that help give this film its wonderful character and flavor. I give it a 10/10.

romesco It's a pity that this film didn't have the consideration it merites. The plot and the beautiful Tchaicovsky music are so well armonized I found it a piece as enjoyable for adults than for children. It's a nice movie full of sentiments and emotions. It's not the classical adventure movie you forget immediately it ends. This one really makes you feel emotions you keep long ago the movie has ended. I'll give it a 10.

Liza-19 It's about time E.T.A. Hoffman's tale of The Nutcracker and The Mouse King got a faithful adaptation. As one of the what, three people that have actually read the story - it's delightful to see the tale faithfully told, and told for children. In keeping with the tradition started with the Tchaikovsky ballet, it keeps the story light and suitable for children, without leaving out the main themes of the tale. The Hoffman story can be pretty gruesome at places, but this film manages to keep all the details (down to the Krakatuk nut!) in place, without taking away from the charm. They've managed to take some of the ugliest parts and present them comically - which is not an easy task. Good for them! A very good script, wonderful voicework (hey, I didn't know Megan Follows can sing) and just an overall sweet movie. Yes the animation isn't the greatest, but oh, who really cares? It's still a great movie.

LT-10 Wow, this is great. I can't believe that so many official movie critics disliked this film. It is amazing, will work for everyone as a family movie. It doesn't have the bordom involved with watching the same ballet every year, that would turn kids off to this classic story. The movie deserves more recondition, more praise, anything to help get the word out of how good it is.