Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013) – Movie Review

20130505_0812Hansel and Gretel is a story of a brother and sister who are running after the witches of their time. At a very young age, they were left by their parents in the deep forest, not fully realizing the reasons why. The two were left to live by themselves, protecting each other from danger including the witches that were prevalent during their time.

The  talented Tommy Wirkola wrote and directed this 88 minute movie. I never got bored watching because of the actions and the progression of the story. Although there were some dragging moments, it was balanced by the swift actions during their encounter with the witches.

The main story development starts when Hansel and Gretel are hired by the town mayor to help them solve the mystery behind the disappearance of children.

This is an action, dark fantasy, horror  movie filmed in various places in Germany. Some of the cast involved in the movie are Jeremy Renner as Hansel, Gemma Arterton as Gretel,  Famke Janssen as Muriel – the leader of the coven or evil witches, Pihla Viitala as Mina – the good witch,   Derek Mears as Edward – the guy who helped Gretel,  Thomas Mann as Benjamin “Ben” Wosser – the lad who also became a witch hunter and  Ingrid Bolsø Berdal as Horned Witch – the witch I loved because of her  fighting ability.

A variety of musical soundtracks  such as: “The Witch Hunters”, “White Magic”, “Don’t Eat The Candy” and “Burn E’m All”  were used to match scenes and moods in the story. The costume design and makeup is scary, especially the one used  by the  leader of the dark witches.

The siblings’ love and concern for each other is evident, and probably the most commendable thing about this movie. How I wish all siblings were like Hansel & Gretel! Visual effects are also enthralling. I like how the candy house was designed to lure kids into it. It would have lured me when I was a kid (and perhaps I would not be writing this review now …).

Though the movie is beautiful, funny  and classic, it is not recommended for young children  because of the blood and violence. For adults, especially blood-thirsty ones, the movie should be entertaining. The movie uses modern swear words and there is also the slight nudity of Mina.

I love the variety of costumes and various kinds of witches  in the movie. Of all the witches, I like the Horned One because of the way she engages in a snappy and amazing fight with Hansel and Gretel. Another thing that enthralled me  is the way Mina cares for Hansel, and the way she helped him to fight the evil Muriel.  Hansel is also attracted  to Mina, but their love story is short lived. I also love the character of Edward and the lad Ben, who both helped the siblings to fight  the evil witches. And last but not least, this movie portrays that just as in real life you find good people and bad people in every race, ethnicity, and culture, so there are good and bad witches too. (After all, they are just human … aren’t they?)

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For More Information Visit:
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http://www.movieweb.com/movie/hansel-gretel-witch-hunters
http://www.hanselandgretelmovie.com

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1428538/combined

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Author: Irene Taniegra

A casual writer and a virtual assistant