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Reviews
The Brothers Grimm (2005)
A great story ruined by inaccurate characterisation
The storyline of the Grimm Brothers film is absolutely wonderful - a patchwork or the Grimms' best known work (Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretal, Snow White etc) and German folk law & fairy tales, interwoven with 'real life' to create a story of kidnapped children and an enchanted forest.
What a shame then, that the wholly inaccurate characterisation of the brothers detracted so completely from Ehren Krueger's wonderful writing. Wilheilm and Jacob (not Will and Jake) Grimm were German scholars, folklorists and above all believers, not English charlatans, performing fake exorcisms for money and fame.
Matt Damon, whose performances are usually subtle and well sculpted, was disappointing, his hammed up, overacting is cringe-worthy (Although I suppose this is a matter or personal taste). The only saving grace for this production is Heath Ledger's performance. Tasteful, subtle and human, the only character I was touched by.
I was really looking forward to this film, and bitterly disappointed by it. And it appears to me that Gilliam only used the Grimm brothers' name in order to sell his film.