Rumpelstiltskin
Rumpelstiltskin

Movie spotlight

Rumpelstiltskin

1987
Movie
84 min
English

A musical version of the classic story about a miller's daughter who recieves help from a mischievous dwarf, then ends up over her head. Now, she and a mute servant girl may be the only hope for her baby son, John.

Insights

IMDb5.6/10
Director: David Michael JohnsonGenres: Fantasy, Family

Plot Summary

A young woman, desperate to save her father, makes a dangerous bargain with the magical imp Rumpelstiltskin. She must spin straw into gold to win her freedom and her father's life. As the deadline approaches, she finds herself drawn to the enigmatic imp, facing a choice between love and a desperate gamble for survival. The tale explores themes of promises, consequences, and the true meaning of sacrifice.

Critical Reception

This 1987 adaptation of the classic fairy tale was generally met with a mixed reception, often noted for its ambitious visual effects for the time and a compelling performance by Clive Revill as Rumpelstiltskin. However, some critics found the plot to be somewhat predictable and the pacing uneven, while its target audience leaned towards younger viewers and families.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visual flair and Revill's menacing portrayal of Rumpelstiltskin.

  • Criticized for a predictable narrative and inconsistent pacing.

  • Seen as a solid, albeit not groundbreaking, family-friendly fantasy.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older title, but general sentiment suggests it's a nostalgic watch for those who saw it in their youth, with many appreciating the classic fairy tale retelling.

Fun Fact

The film utilized extensive practical effects and miniature work to bring Rumpelstiltskin's magical world to life, reflecting the special effects techniques popular in fantasy films of the late 1980s.

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