'The Drummer' charms as a story that does deserve to be better known. Not one of my favourite, or one of the best known, stories that feature in overlooked German (English dubs also available) animated series 'Simsala Grimm'. Will say that if looking for a straight up faithful adaptation, on that front the series generally will disappoint. On its own terms, there is enough to make one intrigued into checking out.
Variable 'Simsala Grimm' may be, with some episodes being quite a bit better than others, but deserves more credit in its own right, a good way to introduce youngsters to the stories if not done already. Children are more likely to enjoy the series more than adults, but it will be hardly a chore for older audiences who should find the different spins on the stories interesting. It was great to see a nice mix of the famous and oft-adapted tales and also the not so familiar and not often adapted ones. The 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater' anime from the 80s also does this very well, perhaps even better. On its own merits (again best forget about expecting something faithful), 'Simsala Grimm' is pleasant, though not one of my favourites, and those not familiar with the original stories may find themselves intrigued into checking them out.
Character designs are somewhat derivative, anybody who has seen many of the previous episodes will see a lot of similarities in the character designs between those and this, giving the sense of recycling.
Some 'Simsala Grimm' episodes have less than great writing, with 'The Drummer' not without its corny moments, though it is not one of the worst cases ('Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp').
Having said that, Doc Croc and Yoyo do serve a point here and they play helpful roles, not feeling like padding. Have always loved Doc Croc's resourcefulness and intelligence and Yoyo is as ever adorable and amusing, both likeable characters. The original characters are well done with a likeable protagonist.
Again, enough of the (traditional hand-drawn) animation is pleasing, the finesse is not always there or the imagination, but there are some lovely and never flat colours and it's nicely detailed. The music fits well (likewise with the never hammy or bland voice acting) and the main theme is catchy. Have always really liked the once upon a time approach to the intro.
'The Drummer's' story is charming and engages. There is not an issue with pacing with it not feeling too hasty or dull, there is no trouble understanding what is going on yet it doesn't feel like it was dumbed down too much.
In summary, pretty good. 7/10
Variable 'Simsala Grimm' may be, with some episodes being quite a bit better than others, but deserves more credit in its own right, a good way to introduce youngsters to the stories if not done already. Children are more likely to enjoy the series more than adults, but it will be hardly a chore for older audiences who should find the different spins on the stories interesting. It was great to see a nice mix of the famous and oft-adapted tales and also the not so familiar and not often adapted ones. The 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater' anime from the 80s also does this very well, perhaps even better. On its own merits (again best forget about expecting something faithful), 'Simsala Grimm' is pleasant, though not one of my favourites, and those not familiar with the original stories may find themselves intrigued into checking them out.
Character designs are somewhat derivative, anybody who has seen many of the previous episodes will see a lot of similarities in the character designs between those and this, giving the sense of recycling.
Some 'Simsala Grimm' episodes have less than great writing, with 'The Drummer' not without its corny moments, though it is not one of the worst cases ('Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp').
Having said that, Doc Croc and Yoyo do serve a point here and they play helpful roles, not feeling like padding. Have always loved Doc Croc's resourcefulness and intelligence and Yoyo is as ever adorable and amusing, both likeable characters. The original characters are well done with a likeable protagonist.
Again, enough of the (traditional hand-drawn) animation is pleasing, the finesse is not always there or the imagination, but there are some lovely and never flat colours and it's nicely detailed. The music fits well (likewise with the never hammy or bland voice acting) and the main theme is catchy. Have always really liked the once upon a time approach to the intro.
'The Drummer's' story is charming and engages. There is not an issue with pacing with it not feeling too hasty or dull, there is no trouble understanding what is going on yet it doesn't feel like it was dumbed down too much.
In summary, pretty good. 7/10