A blockbuster in its native Sweden, this somewhat unhinged 1984 adaptation of a hugely successful children's book by Astrid Lindgren is unexpectedly entertaining. A pure fantasy set in medieval times, the story begins at a mountaintop castle where a band of robbers, led by its chief, Matt (Börje Ahlstedt), are thrilled to welcome the arrival of Matt's first child: a baby girl named Ronja, who is destined to lead the clan one day. Shortly after her birth, winged harpies cause the castle and mountain to split into two, creating a dangerous crevice between the halves. Ronja grows into a strong-willed girl much beloved by her father, but when she discovers that a same-age boy, Birk (Dan Håfström)—the son of Matt's sworn enemy—lives in the other half-castle, her allegiances begin to shift. When Matt captures Birk and threatens to toss him into a dungeon, Ronja forces a rescue that angers Matt and leads him to disown her. Birk and Ronja run off to the woods, where they deal with wildlife, forest trolls, harpies, and other dangers. Much of Ronja has an absurdist flair, especially the goofy antics of the robbers. The visual effects are spare but effective, and director Tage Danielsson keeps the action hyperkinetic, whether it's food being thrown across a room or trolls descending on a helpless child. Recommended. (T. Keogh)
Ronja: The Robber's Daughter
Hen’s Tooth, 125 min., in Swedish w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $19.99 Volume 32, Issue 5
Ronja: The Robber's Daughter
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