The story follows Franz (Jossi Jantschitsch), as summer holidays are starting. But, his two best friends don't speak to each other anymore. They have had an argument and they want him to choose sides. When his friends discover that he was hanging out with both of them at the same time they get mad at him. He conjures a plan that is based on a lie to try to bring their friend group back together, which doesn't work so well.
I really like the plot - specifically how the friends stop being friends until Franz lies to them to try to resolve their differences but ultimately, learns that honesty is the best policy. The filmmaking is pretty good; I really like the closeups with the blue light in the beginning. I also like how the camera angles vary so much when they were on the spy mission.
The sets worked really well, particularly the one in the theater. I like that one because, along with the dark lighting, it matches the song that is sung by the person Franz lied about. The background music is well selected also. While they are trying the catch the "burglar" there is a lot of spy music. Another song that stands out is at the end. It made me happy because she finally got her chance to sing in an opera. Franz's friends Eberhard (Leo Wacha) and Gabi (Nora Reidinger) have the biggest character development, as they go from always arguing to becoming good friends. Franz also develops throughout the film; he goes from being a liar and afraid to speak up for himself to being honest and speaking up for what he thinks is wrong. I commend the director, Johannes Schmid, for his work. His choice of cast members is spot on. I also like the costume designers' work. Leonie Zykan costume designs are superb, especially the burglars' outfits. My favorite scene is the one at the pool. It is really funny and stands out to me. It is also where Franz's friends catch him and get so mad at him.
The film's message is about that you should always be honest; it would save you a lot of trouble. Be aware that it contains some mild profanity and shows kids doing risky things that kids might imitate. I don't think it's inappropriate, but the kids sneak out of the house, go to places they don't know to catch the burglar, and that is risky behavior that kids might imitate.
I give New Tales of Franz 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Note that the dialogue is in German with English subtitles, but there is also an English dubbed version. By Janie R., KIDS FIRST!
The story follows Franz (Jossi Jantschitsch), as summer holidays are starting. But, his two best friends don't speak to each other anymore. They have had an argument and they want him to choose sides. When his friends discover that he was hanging out with both of them at the same time they get mad at him. He conjures a plan that is based on a lie to try to bring their friend group back together, which doesn't work so well.
I really like the plot - specifically how the friends stop being friends until Franz lies to them to try to resolve their differences but ultimately, learns that honesty is the best policy. The filmmaking is pretty good; I really like the closeups with the blue light in the beginning. I also like how the camera angles vary so much when they were on the spy mission.
The sets worked really well, particularly the one in the theater. I like that one because, along with the dark lighting, it matches the song that is sung by the person Franz lied about. The background music is well selected also. While they are trying the catch the "burglar" there is a lot of spy music. Another song that stands out is at the end. It made me happy because she finally got her chance to sing in an opera. Franz's friends Eberhard (Leo Wacha) and Gabi (Nora Reidinger) have the biggest character development, as they go from always arguing to becoming good friends. Franz also develops throughout the film; he goes from being a liar and afraid to speak up for himself to being honest and speaking up for what he thinks is wrong. I commend the director, Johannes Schmid, for his work. His choice of cast members is spot on. I also like the costume designers' work. Leonie Zykan costume designs are superb, especially the burglars' outfits. My favorite scene is the one at the pool. It is really funny and stands out to me. It is also where Franz's friends catch him and get so mad at him.
The film's message is about that you should always be honest; it would save you a lot of trouble. Be aware that it contains some mild profanity and shows kids doing risky things that kids might imitate. I don't think it's inappropriate, but the kids sneak out of the house, go to places they don't know to catch the burglar, and that is risky behavior that kids might imitate.
I give New Tales of Franz 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Note that the dialogue is in German with English subtitles, but there is also an English dubbed version. By Janie R., KIDS FIRST!
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