“Mio in the Land of Faraway” is a fantastical adventure where a young boy named Mio discovers a magical world full of wonders and terrors. He sets out on a quest to save the king and queen from an evil ruler who has taken over the land, aided by his faithful companion, Jum-Jum, and armed with nothing but his courage and determination. Along the way, he encounters mysterious creatures and confronts his fears, learning valuable lessons about bravery, friendship, and hope.”
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Review
Mio in the Land of Faraway: A Forgotten Classic that Needs to be Remembered
In 1987, a fantasy movie was released that captured the hearts of many kids and adults alike. Mio in the Land of Faraway is a story about a young boy named Bosse (played by Johan Brandt) who’s unhappy with his life and discovers that he’s actually Prince Mio, destined to save an imaginary world from evil forces. Directed by Vladimir Grammatikov and written by William Aldridge, based on Astrid Lindgren’s novel “The Wonderful Adventures of Nils”, the movie has all the elements of a classic fairy tale: magic, adventure, heroism, friendship, love and morality.
The plot follows Bosse who lives with his grandmother (played by Margaretha Krook) in a cold, grey city where he’s constantly bullied and ignored. One night, he hears strange sounds coming from his closet and discovers a magical key that transports him to another dimension where he meets Jum-Jum (played by Nick Pickard), a cheerful boy who becomes his best friend. Together they embark on a journey to find Mio’s father (played by Timothy Bottoms), the King of Faraway who has been trapped in an evil spell cast by the dark knight Kato (played by Christopher Lee).
The movie has some amazing scenes that still evoke emotions decades later. The opening sequence shows Bosse walking alone in the rain with grey buildings towering over him as if suffocating him. But when he enters his closet and enters Faraway, everything changes: colors become vivid, landscapes become vast and creatures become curious. From giant talking cabbages to glowing dolphins to flying horses to fire-breathing dragons, every creature in Faraway is unique and memorable.
One of the most iconic scenes is when Mio finally confronts Kato in his castle made out of stone dragons. Kato, who’s a master of manipulation, tries to tempt Mio with promises of power and glory. But Mio, who has learned valuable lessons about humility, courage and love, refuses his offer and instead fights him with his newly acquired sword of light. The fight scene is thrilling and emotional as it represents the ultimate test for Mio’s character.
The movie has a great cast that brings its characters to life. Johan Brandt plays Bosse/Mio with innocence and determination. Nick Pickard plays Jum-Jum with humor and loyalty. Timothy Bottoms plays the King with wisdom and kindness. Christopher Lee plays Kato with menace and allure. And Margaretha Krook plays the grandmother with warmth and wisdom.
The soundtrack by Zbigniew Preisner is also noteworthy as it captures the mystical atmosphere of Faraway with its haunting melodies and choral arrangements. Some of the songs like “Mio My Mio” have become classics.
Unfortunately, despite its merits, Mio in the Land of Faraway didn’t do well at the box office or get critical acclaim during its release. Many critics dismissed it as a poor imitation of other fantasy movies like The NeverEnding Story or Labyrinth. Others criticized its slow pace or lack of originality.
But over the years, Mio in the Land of Faraway has gained a cult following among fans who appreciate its unique charm and message. It’s now considered as one of the forgotten gems of 80s cinema that deserves recognition.
In Seth Godin style, we can learn some valuable lessons from Mio in the Land of Faraway:
1) Everyone has a hidden potential waiting to be discovered
Bosse may seem like an ordinary kid but he’s actually a prince who’s destined for greatness. Likewise, we all have talents and strengths that we’re not aware of until we’re tested or challenged.
2) True friends are precious
Jum-Jum may not be real but he’s more of a friend to Bosse/Mio than anyone else in his life. Friendship is not determined by appearances or circumstances but by shared experiences and mutual support.
3) Courage comes from facing our fears
Bosse/Mio is not fearless but he learns to confront his fears and overcome them. Whether it’s facing Kato or rescuing the Princess of the Winds, Mio shows that courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to act despite it.
4) Love conquers all
The ultimate lesson of Mio in the Land of Faraway is that love has the power to defeat evil and restore harmony. It’s not only romantic love between Mio and his princess (played by Susannah York) but also familial love between Mio and his father or Jum-Jum and his mother.
In conclusion, Mio in the Land of Faraway may not be a perfect movie but it’s definitely worth watching for those who enjoy imaginative storytelling and magical realism. It has an inspiring message, great visuals, memorable characters, wonderful music and a timeless appeal. So next time you feel stuck in your mundane life or need a dose of wonder, just remember to open your closet door and step into Faraway.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 99
- Release : 1987-07-01
- Genre : Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Family, Mystery
- Cast : Nick Pickard as Mio / Bosse, Christian Bale as Jum-Jum / Benke, Timothy Bottoms as The King, Susannah York as The Weaver Woman, Christopher Lee as Kato
- Crew : Astrid Lindgren as Novel, Göran Lindström as Co-Producer, Darek Hodor as Editor, William Aldridge as Writer, William Aldridge as Co-Producer
- Popularity 7.967
- Budget : $7,200,000
- Revenue : $2,300,000
- Company : Nordisk Tonefilm, Gorky Film Studios, Svenska Filminstitutet
- Summary : They’re two best friends, a million miles from home. On an incredible adventure, beyond the boundaries of space and time. A fantasy about a lonely boy who is transferred from his dull life with his adoptive parents to the land where his real father is the king.
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