Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

When I was a kid, this was one of my childhood favourites, I loved it. Watching it again, I still do, it is a really sweet and charming film, that is perfect for Christmas time.I have read critical reviews, though not on IMDb, that said that the animation was shoddy, and I wholeheartedly disagree. Sure I have seen better animation, but I do think people need to remember when it was made(1990), and that it is lower in budget to other animated gems like Beauty and the Beast. The colours weren't too bad and the backgrounds were nice to look at.One of the main things I like about The Nutcracker Prince is the story. The timeless story by ETA Hoffmann is a truly wonderful one, and out of all the adaptations of the story I've seen, including countless productions of the ballet, short cartoons, and the Barbie movie(which I admit I really like, despite the fact I am 17), The Nutcracker Prince is actually the most faithful to the story, having the story of Princess Pirlipat and all that. Yes, there are one or two gruesome scenes, but the story version I have has a very malevolent description of the Mouse King, so that is forgiven. Plus this Mouse King was one I enjoyed watching, funny and scary at the same time, and a character who got so much abuse from his mother. My favourite aspect of the movie was the music by Tchaikovsky, the sparkling motifs from his beautiful ballet score are bound to stay with you forever. What I liked about it was how they used it in the film, it was very clever, and very appropriate. Tchaikovsky is one of my favourite composers, and a very important one in the development of ballet, but he brought staggering contributions also to symphony, concerto and opera. I am so thankful that they didn't miss out the music entirely, otherwise this gem of a film wouldn't have such an effect on me. Just for the record, this was actually the film, that introduced me to Tchaikovsky's music, and that is the reason why it is so special to me.The voice cast was terrific, especially Kiefer Sutherland as the Nutcracker Prince, and Megan Follows is lovely beyond words as Clara. Also worth of note is Peter O'Toole as Pantoloon, I thought he was excellent, almost certainly one of the best voice actors involved in the movie. Everyone else was very good too, particularly Peter Beretski in a perfect performance as Drosselmeir and they were further advantaged by a very good script, that is surprisingly faithful to Hoffmann's story.Overall, a beautiful gem. 10/10 Bethany Cox.

The Nutcracker is another Christmas story I love besides L. Frank Baum's "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus." This film (that is based on the story by German author E.T.A. Hoffman), was straight out of my childhood. The story starts at Christmas Eve, at the Stahlbaum household, Karl & Ingird Stahlbaum are enjoying the new tree with their three children Louise, Clara and Fritz. After opening their presents, guests start to arrive for the Christmas party. One guest in particular is Uncle Drosselmeir, who gives the family an intricate toy castle, and gives Clara a Nutcracker. Ah, but it is not just any Nutcracker, Uncle Drosselmeir warns her. Uncle Drosselmeir tells her that the Nutcracker used to be a human boy and his nephew named Hans, and but after Hans broke a spell the Mouse Queen had placed over a princess, he had been cursed by the Mouse Queen to become a Nutcracker Prince. At first it all seems to be just another fairy story to Clara. And though she does enjoy a good fairy story, they are just that...stories. That night, after everyone has gone to bed, Clara steals downstairs to dance with her new Nutcracker. But suddenly the Mouse King appears, intent on extracting the revenge on the Nutcracker Hans, for toppling a statue on his tail, when Hans was turned to a nutcracker and collapse. And right then, before Clara's eyes, the Nutcracker comes to life, thus starting a strange dream-like war between dolls and mice. And that's all I could tell you folks, you will have to see the film for yourself how it ends. My family used to rent the film on video for Christmas. I had watched it and I love it. Of course, years later I was lucky to found (and bought) a copy of the film at a used video/audio shop. I still watch the film near Christmas and I still love this wonderfully animated film after all these years. As I said many times, I don't have a favorite scene because I love the WHOLE film - from beginning to end. I love Clara, her kitten Pavlova and the budding romance between her and her Nutcracker Prince. I also love the music from Tchaikovsky's ballet rendition that is used at throughout the film as the main instrumental soundtrack, and as I always say I love a film with a good soundtrack.

I remember seeing this film only once when I was young on Cartoon Network, and being completely enchanted. And though it was many years later when I saw it again, I immediately remembered its charm and sweetness. It's a fun take on the classic, with an innocence that makes it continue to dazzle me even now.Now, the animation was not the quality of Disney, but I wouldn't even compare it to Disney. Because one must remember that Canada's animation budget was not very good at the time it was made. However, despite the low budget, it's very nicely done. I especially enjoyed the silly animation during Drosslemyer's story. It was silly and well done. The characters were all enjoyable, and the relationship between Hans(Nutcracker) and Clara was childlike and enchanting. Nothing too forward or out there... simple yet enjoyable. I loved how they matched the lovely Nutcracker music to scenes throughout the film, it made it so enjoyable to watch. This film definitely deserves a chance, and I strongly recommend it to families everywhere.

It's about time E.T.A. Hoffman's tale of The Nutcracker and The Mouse King got a faithful adaptation. As one of the what, three people that have actually read the story - it's delightful to see the tale faithfully told, and told for children. In keeping with the tradition started with the Tchaikovsky ballet, it keeps the story light and suitable for children, without leaving out the main themes of the tale. The Hoffman story can be pretty gruesome at places, but this film manages to keep all the details (down to the Krakatuk nut!) in place, without taking away from the charm. They've managed to take some of the ugliest parts and present them comically - which is not an easy task. Good for them! A very good script, wonderful voicework (hey, I didn't know Megan Follows can sing) and just an overall sweet movie. Yes the animation isn't the greatest, but oh, who really cares? It's still a great movie.