The Walt Disney Company is known for their fairy tale adaptations. Most of their fairy tales begin as animated films, but The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is an exception.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, as the title suggests, is based on the famous ballet. As with Disney's animated fairy tales, it has the core elements of the story: siblings Clara and Fritz Stahlbaum, nutcracker dolls, a mouse king, a sugar plum fairy, and, of course, a trip to another world (in this case, the Four Realms). Yet, there are also some additions that enhance the story.
Clara's connection with her late mother, named Marie after the first version, is one of the story's best elements. Marie's travels to the Four Realms give Clara's own trip more personal meaning. Another feminist aspect is Mother Ginger, an added character who helps Clara stop the Sugar Plum fairy's attacks.
In this version, the Sugar Plum fairy is a twist villain. She initially has a positive working relationship with Clara. As the film goes on, the fairy begins attacking the kingdom with an army of nutcracker soldiers. These soldiers must have become evil, too. Making the Sugar Plum fairy and nutcracker soldiers villains is a clever twist as it creates a tension-filled climax.
Clara initially feels out of place among her family. Yet, her mission to save the Four Realms empowers her. As she fights, Clara wears a soldier's hat and top paired with a skirt. What a clever way for a girl to dress as a soldier without cross-dressing. Clara speaks up against the Sugar Plum fairy's attacks, too, along with risking her life to save the kingdom. This, along with her female relationships, makes Clara a feminist character who, unlike some of Disney's recent live-action female protagonists, is not annoying.
The absence of Clara's mother creates some drama in the Stahlbaum family. Yet, I wish their familiar relationships and Clara's internal conflict was more developed. The movie already has emotional moments with the help of a well-orchestrated soundtrack, but the emotional connections could've been stronger.
Another minor issue I had with the film is the slow pace that occurs as Clara enters the Four Realms. I became slightly tired at that point.
The visuals are among the best parts of the film. The palace, especially, is vibrant. It is also pleasant looking at the snow upon Clara's entry into the Four Realms. The costumes, especially Clara's purple dress and, as mentioned above, her soldier dress, also pop. However, there are also some scenes where the lighting is a bit too dim. That's been a problem in a lot of recent live-action films.
There are some ballet scenes, especially at the Christmas party and during the credits. A few scores take their inspiration from the ballet music, too. Yet, if the music is what one likes best about The Nutcracker, this movie will not do the job for them.
One more thing I would like to touch on is a Christian allegorical message. When Clara finds and uses a key, she realizes it does not solve her problems. This is why idolatry is sinful.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is an underrated recent gem. Even though it has gotten some negative reviews, it is much more original and vibrant than most of Disney's live-action remakes; it clearly has a reason to exist. Fans of The Nutcracker or fantasy stories, in general, will enjoy this.
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