Wonderfully offbeat film!

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

It is both painfully honest and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

None of the five adaptations I've seen of the classic Heidi are bad, though neither are quite perfect. Despite the too-low rating this adaptation was excellent, though the part where the grandfather goes to the village seemed contradictory to his character and part of you wishes that Max Von Sydow had more to do. Even with some changes, in detail and spirit Heidi(2005) is the most faithful. It doesn't feel over-dramatic like the Noley Thornton version did- which still had a lot of engaging things- and none of it was mean-spirited or too dark, yes even with the slightly crueler characterisations of Fraulein Rottenmeier and Aunt Dete. The characters are true to the book like the delightful Shirley Temple version(which had the most accurate depiction of Fraulein Rottenmeier), treating the characters of the grandfather and Clara sympathetically like the Noley Thornton version didn't really. But at the same time it doesn't fall into the trap of making those like Fraulein Rottenmeier too nice like the 1968 adaptation with Jean Simmons(also a very well-done version) did. Heidi(2005) has a lot going for it, it looks lovely with very attractive photography, authentic period detail and mountain scenery that is a wonder. The music is unobtrusive and matches the pacing of the adaptation very well while not dragging. The script has a pleasant mixture of funny, intelligent and poignant, with you relating every step of the way with Heidi and her life and conflict. The story even with the slow pacing captures the feel of the book just beautifully, it was very heart-warming(particularly in the relationships between the characters), had a lot of charm and the dramatic parts were genuinely touching and never too dark. All the key elements are there and with the right impact. The ending as you'd expect for Heidi is very emotional. The direction allows the story to resonate yet doesn't make it to be stillborn. Emma Bolger is a highly engaging Heidi, like Shirley Temple she was charming and funny and just as photogenic while capable of an emotional range that made her performance moving too. Max Von Sydow is perfect also as the grandfather with a distinctively stoic presence, showing the grandfather's journey from gruff and reclusive to much more loving and warm, the only actor playing this character to do so completely successfully. Geraldine Chaplin's Fraulein Rottenmeier is genuinely beastly(if crueler than you'd expect), which allowed for Heidi's conflict with her to have its tension, likewise with Pauline McLynn's Aunt Dete. Diana Rigg sparkles in the affectingly noble role of the grandmother, and the compassionate Clara of Jessica Claridge also impresses(Peter too is believable). In fact all the acting is fine. Overall, an excellent adaptation. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Overall this is our favorite version of Heidi in film. We purchased it and extra copies of the novel for gifts. Our family watched this movie anticipating the same cutesy antics and departures from the novel as before but were surprised to find this one quite close to the book. It is a bit more somber than the book in my view but this adds a real 19th century feel anyway. Emma Bolger plays Heidi with enough childlike charm, her shining eyes and sweet grin helped me forgive a few tiny flaws in her young acting. Max Von Sydow plays Grandfather immaculately with the right amount of grumpiness and compassion. The best performance I think is Del Synott as Sebastian the butler! The only thing I wish the director would have done differently is to spend more time on Heidi's enjoyment in the pastures. I recommend watching this movie then going back to the read the book once again if it has been awhile. It is a truly heartwarming story.

As soon as I seen this picture, I remembered an animated older version of Joanna Spryii's story of the Swiss orphan girl Heidi. Even though the 1937 Shirley Temple Version still stands out for a stellar performance, this version is very decent and adaptable when it comes to touching drama. The choice for Heidi's grandpa could of not been better portrayed by Sweedish screen legend Max Von Sydow. He brings a lot of respect to the character in difference with the portrayal Jason Robards Jr. did in the 1995 Disney version. Though Robards did fairly good, at times I laughed when others considered him a monstrous old bum. Von Sydow is too meek for that type of comment. His aura and decades of experience may have saved this film. Good thing he portrayed Christ back in 1965 in The Greatest Story Ever Told.

I wasn't looking forward to going to this film with my two young daughters. The reviews hadn't all been good.It starts slow and stays at a similar pace throughout but it is beautifully done. If you were watching it on DVD at home, it may not hold your attention but in the cinema its pure charm is irresistible. Good acting throughout and some amusing set pieces.My seven-year-old rates it her favourite ever film or TV program and as it has dislodged 'The Incredibles' and 'Arthur' respectively, that is praise indeed. My four-year-old also enjoyed it tremendously.I'm very glad I saw it and would recommend it to any family. Heidi doesn't get to fight off any aliens or learn ninja skills from her grandfather but stories as good as this have a place for every generation.