My name is: Raya Shani, Professor, History of Art, Hebrew University of Jerusalem and I saw "The Marionette" at a film festival, and this is my criticism:, 13 April 2007

Author: Raya Shani from United States

"The Marionette" is a movie you understand through your heart first. Friendship is a quality of the heart, and "The Marionette" reminds us, that there is no love in controlling others, and freedom is an expression of true love.

"The Marionette" is so different from other movies, using a universal language, some may say gesture, acting and music. I prefer to say this universal language is the language of the heart. It may sound crazy, but after watching "The Marionette", you will probably admit, along with me, that "The Marionette" talks to you, far beyond your intellect. This is why I prefer to talk about the "language of the heart" which is the universal language of love. The entire world communicates with languages, and there are languages, that connect people with each other, also divide them. There are so many different languages in the world that they act as barriers between people, and cultures, on our planet, and give a feeling of separation between us.

The Movie conveys a message of Love, Compassion and Freedom, beyond languages and cultures that anybody on earth can relate to instantly.

"The Marionette" is a great children's film. Adults tend to intellectualize everything. We like to put labels on things, and then put everything in the right box. Well, "The Marionette" is for whoever believes in love, and how it permeates every aspect of our life. "The Marionette" goes far beyond childhood.

Some "children films" infuse the idea that there is a part of truth, justification and power in violence, whether physical violence or violence through the words. "The Marionette" prefers to show the reality of the power of love and peace. This is why "The Marionette" is completely avant-garde, and revolutionary in children's entertainment, it stimulates the qualities of the heart, the qualities of love, compassion and peace.

How do we expect our children to reject violence, as non-true, and choose peace in their life, if you don't help them understand the illusion of the "reality and power" of violence? Movies play a big role in the way we choose to look at the world. Movie makers can no longer deny their influence in the way society chooses to look at life in general, and give a reality to love, especially when they are targeting children, who are so easily influenced.

It is the parent's responsibility to guide their kids on their way to a better world, by helping them see the truth, in higher qualities of life, in order to reject the gruesome so-called reality of violence. I guess it's a matter of choosing the world we want our children to live in.

The movie says: "His Marionette is a friend to treasure. And a friend without strings is a friend forever". It is a message of hope for adults and children who sometimes feel trapped in their lives, because they feel attached, by invisible strings. Those "strings" can be a disease, a handicap or simply family or material situations they have difficulties in dealing with.

The power of love in friendship, is not so much to remove those strings like a miracle, but very often, there is not much anybody can do about it, but to show the reality of love through friendship. When we recognize this love, it has the power to feel you with so much peace that those invisible strings fade away. There is no magic here. For those who feel the strings in their lives, "The Marionette" shows a way out, by looking into their heart to find the key of happiness.

"The Marionette" is an excellent example for distributors, and networks, that it is time to create a new vision for our children, with movies that stay away from violence.

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THE MARIONETTE is a great movie, 13 April 2007

Author: Diana Bagley from United States

I was in Lakeland, FL visiting my sister, when I had the chance to see "The Marionette." I was amazed at how great the movie was. There were lots of kids attending the movie, and it was wonderful to see how the kids were mesmerized by the movie. I wanted to buy the movie after the show, but they were all sold out, much to my disappointment. Now I am looking to purchase the DVD, but I can not find it, I really would like to find the DVD for my kids. When I saw the other kid's reactions, and their admiration for the movie, I was delightfully surprised at how the kids love art and the movies. It makes one realize for sure, if the kids do not like something, they do not hesitate to show there feelings. Personally, I think THE MARIONETTE is a great movie for children, and families. I would definitely buy the movie.

This is a perfect family movie and it will, 17 August 2007

Author: madiko-1 from United States

I don't know how to phrase this...but I'm a professional bitch, All we do is complain. We critique everything... Blissful, playful, moving and inspiring, "THE MARIONETTE" is a precious jewel that will last longer than most of us will. Indeed, it has a timeless quality, matched with a charming music score and wonderful characters. "The Marionette" is the kind of movie that can stick in your mind for many years, especially if you first saw it when young. The characters and many of their adventures make it very appealing, often even adorable, and yet it also portrays some of the most serious (and frightening) things that can happen in the lives of the young. It's a fine movie that accomplishes a lot. If there are people out there who don't love this movie, they either have hearts of stone or bricks for brains. This is a simple, charming and heartwarming tale of innocence and the joys of youth. It doesn't need slam bang violent action or hokey bad humor. This movie, instead, flows naturally. This is a perfect family movie and it will stay fresh and young forever. An awesome achievement!

Wonderful movie, 8 May 2007

Author: shortie172001 from United States

I really think that this movie is a great children's movie. There are a lot of age groups that would enjoy it. We actually took our daughter and she really loved it a lot. I would definitely purchase it if it were to come out on DVD. The thing that makes it best for little ones is the bright colors and the music. Very interesting and it really does keep there attention. The Marionette is an awesome story and I can't wait until it comes our for purchase my daughter would love to see it again. You can tell there was a lot of caring loving people that could create such a wondering children's movie without all the modern stuff. Just simple. Really great movie.