Snow White And The Huntsman

Rating : 8/10
Release Date : 1st June, 2012
Time : 127 minutes
Director : Rupert Sanders; Writers :Evan Daugherty, John Lee Hancock, Hossein Amini; Music : James Newton Howard
Starring : Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, Sam Claflin, Sam Spruell, Eddie Marsan, Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone, Ian McShane

This film deserves to be seen, if for nothing else, but for the wonderful, spectacular, visual tapestry it weaves. From the pristine snow clad garden of the opening frame,

to the splendid redness of the rose & the drops of blood amidst the white. The army rushing to meet the dark force, who await with red pennants fluttering in the wind.

The famed mirror which transforms into a molten, golden creature. The Queen, sheathed in milk during her search for eternal youth.

Or shrouded by ravens as she seeks her enemy. The fort, standing tall and grey against the frothy waves. The lake, enveloped in a mist, with the fishing village by its side. And the two sides of the coin, the Dark Forest, guarded by a troll,

grim, leafless, where your worst fears take shape. Offset by the Sanctuary, mythical, wondrous, inhabited by fairies, a moss covered tortoise and white butterflies.

And I liked the story too…

It follows the broad outline of the fairy tale but has enough newness, turns and twists to keep you hooked. The Queen, played with evil ease by a stony faced Charlize Theron. Chris Hemsworth as the rough hewn Hunstman. The motley rag tag band of dwarves (Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone among others). Sam Claflin as William, who regrets having left Snow White behind. And, Kristen Stewart, who, to my surprise, does justice to this tale of a princess who discovers whether she has enough mettle in her to become queen.

The end credits are worth waiting for as well, with again some stunning visuals and a pulsating song to boot.

There is a strange, creatively fulfilling delight I feel as I watch old favourites come alive in new forms. Mirror Mirror was a quirky, funny retelling of the story of Snow White.

This one is grim, grey, full of blood, war and fights. Yet has the charm, the magic and the purity of the original. It can cast a spell, but only if you still believe in fairy tales.