The Magic Flute main backdrop
The Magic Flute main poster

The Magic Flute

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6.3/10 • 26

2006-09-072h 13m

ComedyDramaMusic

During World War I, in an unnamed country, a soldier named Tamino is sent by the Queen of the Night to rescue her daughter Pamina from the clutches of the supposedly evil Sarastro. But all is not as it seems.

Directors
Kenneth Branagh
Writters
Stephen Fry
Editors
Stephen Fry, Michael Parker

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Joseph Kaiser

    Joseph Kaiser

    Tamino

  2. Amy Carson

    Amy Carson

    Pamina

  3. Ben Davis

    Ben Davis

    Papageno

  4. Silvia Moi

    Silvia Moi

    Papagena

  5. René Pape

    René Pape

    Sarastro

  6. Lyubov Petrova

    Lyubov Petrova

    Queen of the Night

  7. Tom Randle

    Tom Randle

    Monostatos

  8. Liz Smith

    Liz Smith

    The Old Papagena

  9. Teuta Koço

    Teuta Koço

    First Lady

Reviews1

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DocTerminus Avatar

DocTerminus

Feb 17, 2022

6/10

I admit, it is almost impossible for me to write an informed review of this film as I have no contextual relationship with Mozart's opera/operetta THE MAGIC FLUTE. In fact, and may be the case with other fans of cinema, my only connection to that opera is the scenes included in the film AMADEUS. However, I have challenged myself to watch the entire filmography of Kenneth Branagh, so THE MAGIC FLUTE is not to be ignored. With that in mind, I must apologize to the massively popular opera's fans who will see my approach devoid of knowledge of any production. This film version takes place during the first world war, in a non-descript country. It follows a young soldier sent on a mission to save the Queen of the Night's daughter, Pamina. The story reveals through magic that the kidnapper may not be evil after all. I imagine this story, set to match Mozart's original story idea, may be more palatable and light. Especially the importance of miracles in a story named after a magical flute. The United Kingdom's brilliant treasure, Stephen Fry, adapted this story into one that could be relatable to England during World War I. Branagh, who directed Fry in PETER'S FRIENDS, helms this beautifully designed film. the production and flow of the story show why Branagh is such a fascinating director. Being unfamiliar of any specific artist recording of anything from the Opera stage, I cannot comment in good faith to the power of any specific performance. But it seems to sound good to me. But lacking Patrick Doyle, it may seem less Branagh. This film took years to make it to the United States in any form until it eventually appeared on DVD. Maybe it's just the obvious. Its not as important a piece stateside. I'm glad to have seen it, but will likely avoid a re-watch for a handful of years.

Media

  • The Magic Flute poster
  • The Magic Flute poster
  • The Magic Flute poster
  • The Magic Flute poster
  • The Magic Flute poster
  • The Magic Flute poster
  • The Magic Flute poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
operamusical