'The Six Swans' may be disturbing and not always easy to read (emotionally that is) at times, though not overly gruesome, but it is also quite a beautiful story with a likeable protagonist that one roots for to save her brothers. If one is wondering as to whether it lends itself well to animation, in my mind it does and doesn't come over as too dark and there isn't really anything that will traumatise younger audiences.
Have always felt that that is something that has been surprising about 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater', making mature stories accessible while maintaining the spirit. 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater's' version of 'The Six Swans' achieves the right balance of making the story accessible for younger and older viewers alike while also not dumbing down the story. There are differences, especially in the second half, but none of the differences really are majorly detrimental to the story and the changes are in keeping with the series' tone and stops the episode from being too dark.
Did feel that the music didn't always gel with what was going on, occasionally feeling a bit intrusive. Some of the dialogue delivery is a bit rushed, which meant that the synchronisation struggled to keep up which is a general problem with the series.
A little more smoothness in the drawing wouldn't have gone amiss.
On the other hand, most of the animation is very nicely done, some lovely ethereal colours and detailed background art. When a darker atmosphere is needed, the animation matches that. The writing is neither too mature or childish, so it is easy to understand without treating older viewers like idiots or anything. The story is told beautifully with the ending not being too pat, the stepmother is defeated in a different way but again not in a way that ruins the rest of the story.
Elise is very likeable as a protagonist. The stepmother is one of the series' most evil female characters and is quite imperiously chilling. The voice acting fits well, especially the stepmother, sinister without resorting to screeching.
In summation, very nicely done. 8/10
Have always felt that that is something that has been surprising about 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater', making mature stories accessible while maintaining the spirit. 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater's' version of 'The Six Swans' achieves the right balance of making the story accessible for younger and older viewers alike while also not dumbing down the story. There are differences, especially in the second half, but none of the differences really are majorly detrimental to the story and the changes are in keeping with the series' tone and stops the episode from being too dark.
Did feel that the music didn't always gel with what was going on, occasionally feeling a bit intrusive. Some of the dialogue delivery is a bit rushed, which meant that the synchronisation struggled to keep up which is a general problem with the series.
A little more smoothness in the drawing wouldn't have gone amiss.
On the other hand, most of the animation is very nicely done, some lovely ethereal colours and detailed background art. When a darker atmosphere is needed, the animation matches that. The writing is neither too mature or childish, so it is easy to understand without treating older viewers like idiots or anything. The story is told beautifully with the ending not being too pat, the stepmother is defeated in a different way but again not in a way that ruins the rest of the story.
Elise is very likeable as a protagonist. The stepmother is one of the series' most evil female characters and is quite imperiously chilling. The voice acting fits well, especially the stepmother, sinister without resorting to screeching.
In summation, very nicely done. 8/10