Strings (2004)

Anders Rønnow Klarlund's stunning new film imagines a mythical kingdom populated entirely by stringed puppets. The Emperor of Hebalon dies a dramatic death, taking a terrible secret to the grave with him. His young son, Hal Tara, is set to take over the throne, however, his uncle leads him to believe his father was murdered by the Zeriths, their sworn enemy. Forced to set out to avenge his father's death, Hal is unaware of the perils he is facing, both inside his kingdom and out. As he faces new challenges on this journey, he ends up discovering the truth about his own people - and where he least expects it - he finds true love. A dramatic tale of adventure, bondage and liberation; of love and war, destiny and vitality, identity and common humanity, Strings is a magical blend of themes that range from Shakespeare to Star Wars to The Lord of the Rings.

Subtly Theological

As with most fantasy movies, there are many perspectives from which you can watch "Strings". The puppetry, music, movement and visuals are impressive, but for me, that was all secondary to the underlying truths. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of all people, the existence of an ultimate reality, the absurdity of war, the danger of avoiding self-critique and the importance of being open to a different way of living, I would not see this as a child movie that adults could enjoy; rather a serious adult movie that children might find entertaining. September 22, 2008

BEST movie suprise ever!!!

Every now and again I find a movie that is so far off the charts different, that I cant help but love it. Strings is easily the most intriguing, imaginative, and alternative movie I have ever sceen! The best way to describe it is the serious storyline of Gladiator, only the puppets from Team America World Police....not a joke. The story itself is captivating, the way they incorporate all of the puppets is just mind blowing. This Movie is easily my top 10 of all time! June 20, 2008

You have never seen anything like this

Imagine, puppets that put the ones in Team America to shame. Imagine a story that surprises and moves you at every turn. Imagine a world that is completely unique.

That is Strings, a fairy tale told in a world where everyone is a puppet, with a string reaching to the sky. If the headstring is cut, the puppet dies. When a new puppet is "born," a thread unravels from the mother's headstring and is tied to its head.

This is a story that is on par with Star Wars for imagination. Great acting, proving that even motionless puppet faces can make you feel real emotion. February 9, 2008

different

This was a very interesting show, reminiscent of Jim Henson's Dark Crystal, only darker in tone and storyline. With that in mind, I would warn that this one is NOT a childrens' show. There are a few disturbing images, such as removing a hand from a live marionette to replace an injured hand on the prince. December 29, 2007

Tied by Hate, Bound by Love

A trully remarkable storyline for this, or any time period. Yes, everything that has been said about the string puppets in this movie is true; they are wondrously crafted and beautifully interacted, but the substance of the story contained within is what pushes this film over the top and makes it trully great.
This is the story of ignorant hatred and what horrors it can bring, but it is also about what the bonds of love can do to change an entire people. This could very well be the epic tale of the Jews and the Persians, the Catholics and the Protestants, the Tutsis and the Hutus, the Shiites and the Sunis, the Americans and the brown skinned people of the world, etc. It is an epic tale for these troubled times, where there is no apparent sane leadership among the talking beasts and hatred and bloodshed rule the day. (The uncle in this tale is the epitomy of scheming, sadistic cruelty. A knee-jerk, bloodsucking baby eater in the ilk of the Hitlers and Cheneys of this doomed terra firma.)
Must see, in my opinion and of course, as always, I have impeccable taste :) November 13, 2007

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