I'm 34 and I can't remember exactly when I first saw this movie, but I probably saw it right around when it came to video. I had never watched Heidi before, so really had no experience with the "Heidi" story. This movie could not have been a better introduction and I have never wanted to watch another Heidi version since. I love this movie and we have a family tradition of watching it every Christmas. I also pull it out of the vault and watch it at ANY time of the year because I love it so much.
This movie not only has beautiful shots and scenery in it, but shows that a young woman or any woman for that matter can be beautiful being her natural self. Heidi is gorgeous, naturally beautiful without artifice, and very self confident and sure of herself. She lives her life simply and doesn't know any other way, and even when she finds out that her lifestyle is considered "old fashioned", she doesn't let it get her down.
The story line in this movie is simple, yet tugs at the heart strings. There is adventure, the awkwardness of new experiences, the buddings of first love, new friends to be made, and challenges to be overcome, all the while amidst the back drop of snowy caped mountains and rustic villages.
If you are a fan of period romances, westerns, frontier type movies, or just a simple romantic at heart, then I would give this movie a try. You might be surprised that hidden underneath that unassuming title and DVD graphics is a true gem.
Ohh..did I mention, TOTALLY kid friendly and morally appropriate!!!
