Reflection Essay into The Brothers Grimm Movie

The movie follows the adventures and exploits of the Grimm brothers in combating their first real magical curse (Gilliam). The adoption of the film covers a variety of cultures with guest mention of some of the famous names in the fairy world. The movie, which is set in the medieval times, further highlights the economic, cultural, and political struggle of the French under the occupation of the Germans. Consequently, I find the movie entertaining and, most importantly, informing on the unenlightened cultural practices contained in folklores.

The two main actors in the film are Matt Damon and Heath Ledger, who play brothers, Jacob and William Grimm respectively. The 2005 adoption of the movie displays much improvement from the literature editions through a huge budget allocation and a talented cast. Additionally, the combo of humor with a tinge of panic keeps the plot entrenching and riveting. However, the varied expanse in the thematic areas covered by the movie remains main attractions to watch the film.

Historically, Brothers Grimm are a duet of academics, authors, philosophers, and lexicographers who existed in the pre-modern German society (Zipes). They remain famous for the collection and documentation of many of Europes folklores. Additionally, their works have been instrumental in the creation of todays version of the fairy tales. Some of the most famous of these stories include Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and the Frog Prince (Grimm, et al.). This list practically includes all the famous fairy tales.

The plot of the movie focuses on the trial and tribulation of the two con artists upon discovery. It opens up with the arrival of the brother to a French town under German occupation. They announce their arrival by sending a letter to the towns mayor. The bearer of the message quickly identifies them from their seal, attesting to their popularity in slaying giants and killing the witches.

The brother Grimm have a hard past that put then on a lucrative path of making money from fooling the right countrymen. Therefore, given their belief that no magic exists, they easily trick their customers to believe they solve magical mysteries. However, through a well-scripted play and performance, they cheat their clientele into believing that they can drive away the haunted spirits and ghosts. Although the business is booming, Will confesses to Jake that the increasing complexity of the demons and dead witches they handle poses a danger to their coffers (Gilliam). This new development, therefore, dictates the need for money to put together a convincing performance.

The bond between the brothers makes the movie captivating. Will, played by Damon, exemplifies the characteristics of the alpha of the duo. He appears very vocal on the matter such as paying the performers and seeing the gigs. Additionally, he confesses to Angelika that he fears to lose his brother, therefore, as Wills guardian all responsibilities fall on him. Wilheim, on the other hand, is an entirely dedicated record keeper of the supernatural anomalies they have encountered. Despite being happy to work with his brother's company, little Grimm displays a level of dissatisfaction forms their current line of work. This feeling is rooted on the ethical quagmire that continuously bothers him.

The characters of the movie are the familiar faces that an individual meet in most of the postmodern fairy tales. First, the film centers on the Thuringian forests, which has a great resemblance to the forbidden forests. Secondly, in the first introduction to the locals of the Marbaden, we meet the little Hansel and Gretel. These two children are off to the forest in search of the witch holding the other kidnapped children. Thirdly, the main villain of the story, the Thuringian Queen who appears to reincarnate embodiment of Rapunzel and the Evil Queen, all aged into a manipulative and evil monster (Grimm, et al.). Lastly, the appearance of the mother frog requesting a kiss from Angelika bears some similarity to the frog story.

The movie well displays the theme of political oppression. The Emperor, for instance, signifies the settlers as an oppressor to the locals (Bottigheimer 67). Furthermore, they are dismissive of the folklore of the locals on the grounds of propaganda perpetrated to undermine their leadership. When the German Emperor hosts the French elites, there is a clear indication of the class difference in the French society. Although the emperor seeks out the assistance of the Grimm Reapers, he categorically states that civil unrests do little to help his leadership.

The depiction of Cavaldi, the emperors most trusted and ruthless advisor, creates a comical relief to the movie. The reverence of the Emperor by Cavaldi is simply fanatical. Although he has American roots, Cavaldi is a real turncoat straight from his behavior to the fake hair which he uses to cover his bald head. Most importantly, aside from cheap displays of cowardice, he helps create the notion that magic and the evil do not exist. However, when questioned, he blames the locals for organizing a revolution in the forests and blaming it on invisible ghosts and trolls.

Ideally, the plot of most magical movies follow the courageous acts of the hero. However, The Brothers Grimm follows Will and Jake, and I believe Jake displays more characteristics of an anti-hero than William. Additionally, the involvement of a heroine Angelika seeks to empower the women in the movie. Moreover, the portrayal of a town united despite their difference to fight against common evil plays to the script of most fairy tales. However, the existence of con artists perpetuating to be the last hope against evil remains genius in inception to execution.

According to many peoples opinions, the The Brothers Grimm remains just a bedtime story. However, the deeper ideologies conveyed by the movie are inspirational. I believe that watching the movie not only opened my thinking of life in the medieval times but how the cultural degradation stands to erode our way of life. The plot remains intelligent and intriguing changing the whole idea of storytelling. Additionally, Cavaladis jokes are simply but hilarious even though he is a villain.

Just like most movies, the The Brothers Grimm also has some off moments. One of the most terrible ideas in the film remains the use of curse words and funny mentions of the bosom. Additionally, the kidnap of Selena remains to be very exaggerated that it almost spoils the plot. Furthermore, the role of Angelikas father could have been more pivotal rather than few scenes. However, the jokes kept me riveted to my seat all through the two hours. Moreover, watching Will and Jake come to terms with a real case compared to the bogus experience they have was utterly hilarious. Indeed, I would love to watch the movie again.

Works Cited

Bottigheimer, Ruth B. "Magic Tales in Medieval Christian Europe." Magic Tales and Fairy Tale Magic, 2014, pp. 64-83.

The Brothers Grimm. Directed by Terry Gilliam, Perf. Matt Damon, Heath Ledger and Lena Headey. 2005. Dimension Films Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, 2005.

Grimm, Jacob, et al. The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm. Taschen, 2011.

Zipes, Jack. Grimm Legacies: The Magic Spell of the Grimms' Folk and Fairy Tales. 2015.