Riddle of Fire

If i watched this on Cinema a standing ovation would be appropriate. I don't know how can someone explain this movie, how can give a hint or if you like that you will like this to another person. Is it a comedy ? A weird artistic movie ? You cannot recommend it to anyone, but everyone should see this film. I dare to say it is the "Stand by me" of our era. A magnificent, extraordinary story, hunt and adventure of three children (+ Petal as an amazing addition) trying to get an egg! I really don't know what else to say. It's a masterpiece of film, cinematography and direction and music score. Weston Razooli, you get on my "genius films" list.

This film transported me back to my childhood, where everything felt magical and imaginary. I'm not sure if the director intended to evoke these feelings, but he certainly succeeded. The captivating characters grabbed my attention from the very first moments, and I watched the entire film in one breath. The music, perfectly complementing each scene, was also simply magnificent. This is a true fairy tale for both children and adults, full of beauty and magic. I was especially moved by the scene where all the children dance - it touched my heart deeply, and I couldn't hold back my tears. What stood out to me the most was the Riddle of Fire - a metaphorical element that symbolizes the inner strength and passion of the characters. The fire in this film plays its own role, reminding us that within each of us lies a spark that can ignite into a bright flame if awakened.

source: Riddle of Fire

First thing - I know I would have LOVED this movie as a kid. It has children with strong will, acting independently, not being undermined as "just kids". I think as a kid, I would have watched this film dozens of times. Secondly, as an adult, I still enjoyed this movie. A kids movie that also works for adults? As a parent, let me tell you, those don't come so easy. Thirdly, the mix between video-game plot elements, aesthetics, structure, etc. Were delightful. The sets (I had to google where it was filmed - Wyoming I think?) were beautiful, and took us out of the usual "seen this a million times" aesthetics. Fourth, I think the actors (kid actors) were very natural and did a great job. At no moment in the film did I cringe from acting, even though some film critics didn't seem satisfied (yes The Guardian, I'm thinking of you). In general, this movie is original and atypical. I actually WANT to reccoment it to people, and feel like I want to keep an eye on the director's future creations. Maybe the reason why critics didn't enjoy it so much is because it neither fits into the festival-film aesthetics, nor the commercial film aesthetics. Why? Maybe because this is an actual Auteur film. The movie conveys a personal sense of reality and fantasy, crosses borders, does its own thing without so much a bother of if it fits into a category or another. It doesn't shy away from scenes that can seem a bit ridiculous, for the purpose of the magic and fantasy of the story and what it conveys. I give it a big A+ - highly reccomended.

The story is fun; just three kids raising hell one summer around town and the woods. The cinematography is great. It is shot on 16mm stock, so it has a neat 70's kinda vibe. And the music is great. Music reminds me of 80ms fantasy, which is what the dialogue and story alludes to. But the acting is terrible by almost all actors. Not even Lio Tipton (the only name I recognized on the bill) can save this disaster of a Goonies-wannabe. However, please still check it out. Worth supporting an indie movie that looks great and has great music and a good story. Hopefully, this director will use this film as a stepping stone, learn from it, and the next film will be better.

This reminded me of the films produced in the UK by the Children's Film Foundation. It all centres around the adventures of three paintball-armed kids who meticulously plan a raid on a warehouse that holds games consoles. They manage to pinch one and get it home, but there they find that the television needs a password! That requires their mother - poorly with flu in bed upstairs. They manage to get her to agree to release the code if they go get her a blueberry pie. Snag? Well the baker's don't have any and the baker is on holiday. Then they decide to try to make one themselves, so coax the recipe out of "Miss Celia" (Colleen Baum) and head to the supermarket to "borrow" the ingredients. The last, most vital, speckled eggs is stolen from under their nose by "Redrye" (Charles Halford). They're not having any of this so follow him home so they can pinch them back, only to find he is part of a gang led by "Anna-Freya" (Lio Tipton), a witch of sorts, who is determined to kill the 'Prince of the Forest" (a grand and majestic old stag). Luckily for our intrepid trio, her daughter "Petal" (Lorelei Olivia Mote) had snuck out on the hunting trip and soon the four children are using all of their guile to thwart the plans of her mother whilst still getting that elusive egg for the pie! The four children deliver engagingly here with "Alice" (Phoebe Ferro - or maybe a young Dame Anna Wintour) taking charge, Mote enjoying her spell as the mischievous mini-witch and the scene stealing "Jodie" (Skyler Peters). He's the youngest of the group and the most entertaining. The writing quirkily mixes some modern day language with some fun use of Arthurian style ye, thee and whences and when did you last hear a kid (or anyone) use the word scurries? The story is a bit of a mess at times, and the ending a bit rushed and covenient, but I did quite enjoy this enthusiastic romp with a touch of magic and a gently impressed ecological message too.

Riddle of Fire-1080P

Riddle of Fire-720P

Riddle of Fire-360P

Riddle of Fire-480P