Review of Hansel & Gretel

Robert Eggers chose the Grimm brothers' tale to begin making his first short film and it was a good choice to start with a piece of literature that has endured over time along with other classic tales. Hansel & Gretel is a fairly popular tale that has been embodied throughout film and television from different perspectives. It is mostly known by children's audiences because it has always been classified as a children's tale, but it also has another approach in which it is considered a horror tale. That is why versions such as the one by Tommy Wirkola or the saga produced by The Asylum were made, which offer a darker and more terrifying view of the original tale. Robert Eggers did the same with this version and tells the original tale with a much darker approach. The black and white photography and the effects that make it look like an old film give it a nice touch that also helps to hide any indication that it was made on a moderate budget. It is very well done and the shadows and atmosphere make this film a dark experience almost on the level of Nosferatu or Das Cabinet Des Dr. Caligari. Silent films have become less common with the advancement of technology, but Eggers managed to create a modern silent film that is quite effective. For his first short film, it is a work of art and leaves a good taste in the mouth to delve into this director's filmography. Hansel & Gretel (2007) is both a great adaptation of the classic tale and a promising start for Robert Eggers. My final rating for this short film is a 9/10.