An unpretentious, heartwarming B&W movie about a brave little boy nicknamed "Kekec", filmed in the idyllic setting of the Julian Alps, in Slovenia (which is really the only reason why anyone could wish it had been filmed in colour).
The plot is not terribly realistic, but the boy's character works well as a semi-archetype of the down-to-earth "nature's child" which overcomes obstacles by the sheer force of will and a pure heart.
Personally, I feel that Barl's interpretation of the boy is somewhat strained. But the rest of the cast - including the dog - are very good. And the music is almost perfect. All in all, the movie conveys a touching - if perhaps imaginary - image of a pristine rural community, many many decades ago.
The plot is not terribly realistic, but the boy's character works well as a semi-archetype of the down-to-earth "nature's child" which overcomes obstacles by the sheer force of will and a pure heart.
Personally, I feel that Barl's interpretation of the boy is somewhat strained. But the rest of the cast - including the dog - are very good. And the music is almost perfect. All in all, the movie conveys a touching - if perhaps imaginary - image of a pristine rural community, many many decades ago.