The Pied Piper

This is an excellent puppet film that revives the Pied Piper myth with the same force as Dyk's novel. The beautiful artwork, set in a somber and prolonged gothic mood, is bound to stay in your mind. A beautiful story in an enchanting setting. (27/02/2004)

Masterpiece by Jiří Barta and one of the highlights of Czech animated creation filmed according to the novel of the same name by Viktor Dyk. Dark piece enhanced by excellent music. The foundation of its success was artistically remarkable puppets and simple animation, but most of all the screenplay, which takes advantage of the atmosphere of a medieval Hanseatic city. The feeling of decay of values is noticeable in every movement of the puppet, in every image of ubiquitous rats. Almost a perfect example of the horror genre within animated film. Overall impression: 100%. (14/08/2007)

Perfect in every way. I used to be scared of The Pied Piper. Today it "just" gives me chills, but it has lost none of its impact. The puppets are flawless (I'm still amazed at how lifelike the animated rats look), the direction is extremely imaginative, the music is unique... And the story, in short, is a classic of the most classic kind that still has something to say. (29/11/2011)

The uncompromisingly gloomy atmosphere, which perfectly corresponds with the legendary story, is mainly the result of the irresistibly decadent sets, excellent music (Pavlíček's "Pied Piper guitar theme" is perfect), and last but not least the great puppets. Despite their very expressive form the puppets perfectly express emotions and the relevant characters (the Pied Piper himself is a very charismatic piece of wood). Regardless, I’m beginning to understand why, as a little kid, I preferred to avoid classic Czech puppet animation - there really isn't much in it for children. (25/10/2009)