'Bajaja' is exactly my kind of film, am a fan of fantasy and films based on folk tales and legends. The European and Soviet ones especially appeal to me. Also highly appreciate stop motion and puppet animation, especially the older stuff. Of all the directors that specialised in this kind of visual style, Jiri Trnka to me is one of the best. Some may find some of his work on the slow and old-fashioned side now, but that is an emphasis on some and may. Personally found myself immediately captivated after watching my first film of his 'The Emperor's Nightingale'.
Do absolutely agree, and there is not that much really to add, that this was the sort of story that most played to Trnka's strengths and where he really shone. 'Bajaja' to me was wonderful and is one of his best, largely because of it being one of the best examples of where he most excelled. As well as one of his most accessible, 'Bajaja' is one of those films where one doesn't necessarily need to be familiar with the Czech language to find some value in it and of his output this and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' are good places to start.
Visually, 'Bajaja' is a wonder and is one of Trnka's best looking works. It is beautifully shot but faring even better is the enchanting and atmospheric scenery and the lively but also nuanced designs for the characters, nothing cheap here. The music, like its own character, is full of energy and beauty of tone, with a real feel for the period and a nostalgic Czech folklore vibe at times. Trnka's direction is elegant and classy throughout.
It's beautifully written in terms of story and how things map out, clearly written with a lot of honesty and affectionate love for the genre. The story is full of charm and heart, with no intelligence-insulting moments. It is also quite busy, without being too noisy or complicated, while also having bite, entertainment value, a wide range of emotions and a sympathetic quality. And it doesn't matter that there are recognisable elements and tropes, as it is one of those legend and folk-tale kind of stories.
A few of Trnka's films could be deemed slow and it is dependent on how strong the story is. The story is strong and eventful here and the fantasy/folk-tale atmosphere is so vivid, so nothing here is dull whatsoever. The characters are colourful and worth rooting for, not complex but well written.
Overall, wonderful. 10/10.
Do absolutely agree, and there is not that much really to add, that this was the sort of story that most played to Trnka's strengths and where he really shone. 'Bajaja' to me was wonderful and is one of his best, largely because of it being one of the best examples of where he most excelled. As well as one of his most accessible, 'Bajaja' is one of those films where one doesn't necessarily need to be familiar with the Czech language to find some value in it and of his output this and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' are good places to start.
Visually, 'Bajaja' is a wonder and is one of Trnka's best looking works. It is beautifully shot but faring even better is the enchanting and atmospheric scenery and the lively but also nuanced designs for the characters, nothing cheap here. The music, like its own character, is full of energy and beauty of tone, with a real feel for the period and a nostalgic Czech folklore vibe at times. Trnka's direction is elegant and classy throughout.
It's beautifully written in terms of story and how things map out, clearly written with a lot of honesty and affectionate love for the genre. The story is full of charm and heart, with no intelligence-insulting moments. It is also quite busy, without being too noisy or complicated, while also having bite, entertainment value, a wide range of emotions and a sympathetic quality. And it doesn't matter that there are recognisable elements and tropes, as it is one of those legend and folk-tale kind of stories.
A few of Trnka's films could be deemed slow and it is dependent on how strong the story is. The story is strong and eventful here and the fantasy/folk-tale atmosphere is so vivid, so nothing here is dull whatsoever. The characters are colourful and worth rooting for, not complex but well written.
Overall, wonderful. 10/10.