Strings

2004

1 hr. 29 min.

Fantasy

Adventure

List

80%

5 Reviews

Tomatometer

82%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In an alternate puppet world, all marionettes are connected to a higher power by their strings. When one is severed, they lose use of that limb, and, if their head-string is cut, they die. After a guilty king (Julian Glover) commits suicide, his scheming brother (Derek Jacobi) depicts it as a murder by a rebel tribe. Prince Hal (James McAvoy), the heir to the throne, is sent in disguise on a revenge mission, during which he learns of his uncle's plotting and the dark secrets of his own people.

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Tristan R

Strings is a 2004 animated film directed by Anders Rønnow Klarlund. The film is unique in that it is entirely made using marionette puppets, with no CGI or other forms of animation. The story follows Hal Tara, a prince who goes on a journey of self-discovery to uncover the truth about his father's death and his own destiny. The animation in Strings is visually stunning, with the marionette puppets bringing a tactile and organic quality to the film's characters and environments. The attention to detail in the puppet design and movements is impressive, with each character having their own distinct mannerisms and expressions. The story in Strings is also engaging, with a mix of action, drama, and mystery. The film's themes of self-discovery and questioning authority are thought-provoking and add depth to the story. The voice acting, which includes James McAvoy and Catherine McCormack, is also strong and brings the characters to life. One of the film's unique features is its use of music. The score, composed by Johan Söderqvist, is a mix of orchestral and electronic elements that adds to the film's otherworldly and fantastical tone. Overall, Strings is a visually stunning and engaging film that is sure to captivate audiences with its unique animation style and thought-provoking story. It is a film that is well worth seeking out for animation fans looking for something out of the ordinary.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/10/23

Full Review

Dallan W

This is movie is in my top 10 best I have seen. Its unique and well crafted.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/01/22

Full Review

nefasto r

A pretty dark and, in some parts, even horrific fairy tale, but most importantly: a good one. A bit on the nose about the string theory, but at least is something unseen before, and for me that is always very important!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

With an inherently traditional, however nearly perfectly executed plot, and a visual style that justly deserves the attributes "fantastic" and "mythical", Strings is a very singular experience. Be it the dark, allegorical story, the fleshed-out characters or the technical sophistication, the movie is a necessary viewing for fans of fantasy and animation movies. Overall 7/10 Full Review here: https://goo.gl/6uzPyr

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Outstanding movie. Rent it and you won't be disappointed

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Absolutely BRILLIAnt and STuning!! This film should be more available for viewing!!! This is ART and Story and everything about it!!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

Full Review

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Anders Rønnow Klarlund

Director

James McAvoy

Hal

Catherine McCormack

Zita

Julian Glover

Kahro

Derek Jacobi

Nezo

Ian Hart

Ghrak

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Empire Magazine

Rated: 4/5

Apr 1, 2006

Full Review

Urban Cinefile Critics

Urban Cinefile

Nightmarish adult fantasy set in a shadowy underworld where rain is frequent, court intrigue is rife & marionettes dangle from black wires as if undergoing daily crucifixion.

Sep 9, 2005

Full Review

Scott Weinberg

DVDTalk.com

Some would call it simplistic and silly; I think it's fairly clever and actually a little bit sweet. But hey, I've always had a soft spot for a good puppet show.

Rated: 3.5/5

Aug 7, 2005

Full Review

Michelle Thomas

Future Movies UK

Rated: 7/10

Jun 25, 2005

Full Review

Matthew Turner

ViewLondon

Visually stunning and brimming with invention, although the plot is probably too confusing for its target audience

Rated: 3/5

Jun 25, 2005

Full Review

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Synopsis

In an alternate puppet world, all marionettes are connected to a higher power by their strings. When one is severed, they lose use of that limb, and, if their head-string is cut, they die. After a guilty king (Julian Glover) commits suicide, his scheming brother (Derek Jacobi) depicts it as a murder by a rebel tribe. Prince Hal (James McAvoy), the heir to the throne, is sent in disguise on a revenge mission, during which he learns of his uncle's plotting and the dark secrets of his own people.

Director: Anders Rønnow Klarlund
Executive Producer: Peter Aalbæk Jensen
Screenwriter: Anders Rønnow Klarlund, Naja Marie Aidt
Production Co: Sandrew Metronome, Nordisk Film, BOB Film Sweden AB, Mainstream ApS, Zentropa Entertainments, Film and Music Entertainment, Radar Films
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (DVD): Aug 16, 2005
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD