As said many times, have always had a lifelong love of animation, old and new. Disney, Studio Ghibli, Hanna Barbera, Tom and Jerry, Hanna Barbera, Looney Tunes and also the works of Tex Avery and Fleischer. With a broader knowledge of animation styles, directors, studios and how it was all done actually love it even more now.
It's not just animation held in very high regard by me. Have also had an undying lifelong love for the classic stories of the Grimm Brothers. Their tales are beautifully written, full of soul, imagination and joy and enchanting in their own way, if quite dark in some stories and at times gruesome, and with many memorable characters that are iconic in literature. Their fame, importance and the timeless appeal of their stories are more than justified and Would see any adaptation of his work, animation or live-action, and there have been numerous times where his work has lent well to animation.
For an introduction to their stories if unfamiliar with them, this overlooked German animated series 'Simsala Grimm' (although there are a few episodes with other authors) fits the bill very nicely. Even those familiar with the stories are likely to find the series and how it approaches and tells the stories featured interesting. It was great to see the famous tales (so the likes of 'Snow White', 'Cinderella', 'Sleeping Beauty', 'Rapunzel', 'Little Red Riding Hood' etc.) and also the not so familiar and not often adapted ones ('Jorinda and Joringel', 'Hans in Luck', 'King Thrushbeard', 'Old Sultan', 'The Singing Soaring Lark' etc.). In its own rights, 'Simsala Grimm' is quite well done, not one of my favourites but it's an interesting approach to the various stories and a great way to introduce newcomers to them, which will give them the want to read the stories.
'Simsala Grimm' has a couple of things that stop it from being perfect. There are instances of not so good writing, being someone who winced during some of 'Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp'. Not all the animation is great (mostly it's fine), with the odd lack of finesse and goofs, like in 'The Six Swans'.
Most of the characters are done well, but there are a few bland ones. Hansel, now with what he does in the story now being done by Doc Croc and Yoyo, comes over as useless in 'Hansel and Gretel' as a primary example, or ones that act in a way that makes them less appealing (i.e. the prince in 'King Thrushbeard' in his treatment of the princess).
However, Doc Croc and Yoyo are very entertaining and likeable characters and their roles in telling the stories and playing roles in them, namely being helpful or being voices of reason, are done cleverly. Personally didn't find their scenes wasted time or felt like filler. There are occasions where they intrude a little, namely 'Hansel and Gretel', but mostly they're fine. Doc Croc is the more interesting personality and has some nice lines but there is a preference for the adorable and very funny Yoyo (a high point of for examples 'The Meaning of Fear' and 'The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids'). Loved generally how they interacted with the characters, an example being the brotherly bond they share with the titular character of 'Tom Thumb'.
Had little problem with how most of the fairytale characters were written, the villains were suitably menacing and enjoyably hammy, namely the Witch characters and the grotesque Rumpelstiltskin (also really like the expanded role of the stepmother in 'Cinderella'). The heroines are relatable and sincere, written in a way that doesn't make them feel bland and one feels sorry for them, 'King Thrushbeard', 'The Six Swans' and 'Cinderella' are a few notable examples. Most of the heroes are dashing, with a couple of exceptions (the biggest offender having already been mentioned). They are all ideally voiced.
More so than not, the stories are engaging, ideally paced and entertaining and relaxing watches, with emotional impact and cuteness. There is plenty for youngsters, without being juvenile or dumbed down, while also enough for adults feeling nostalgic and traditionalists, as there are a lot of familiar elements of the original stories minus the gruesome stuff ('Cinderella' being a primary example). The spirit may not always be there but there are enough details. The writing is neither too complicated or simplistic on the most part, with 'Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp' being an exception.
While not always great, the animation is quite nice and easy on the eyes as an overall whole. Simple and not always imaginative, but generally colourful, nicely detailed, fluidly drawn and the charming traditional look was perfect. The music fits well and is dynamic. The intro has a nostalgic charm.
Overall, interesting and mostly very well done animated series based on the work of primarily the Grimm Brothers. 7.5/10 Bethany Cox
