Die feuerrote Blume

It saddens me that this movie doesn't receive as much attention as other adaptations of the beloved fairytale and certainly not as much as it deserves! Mainstream movie viewers will likely not be enticed by the subtle and tender yet still potent love story that unfolds here but the art house crowd will have a treat in store. It should be noted that the relationship between the Beauty and the Beast is the main focus of the story here unlike most adaptations that derail the story with too many subplots such as a jealous suitor of Beauty and/or what her family is up to etc. The only subplot is that of the enchantress's character but the actress gives such a magnificent performance that it is forgivable. While it is obvious that this production was made on a tight budget, this does not undercut the magnetic chemistry between the two leads or the enchanting soundtrack scored by the late, great Edison Denisov.