The unprecedented popularity and demand for the cinema genre of fantasy has recently gained a truly global scale at the level of popularity of the film industry itself. “Officially” this subgenre originates in fiction, where it received its first characteristics and general outlines. Modern canons are the ancestor of fantasy to position science fiction, which is quite controversial, given that this genre exists contrary to any proven scientific truths and postulates, being real science fiction. The proof can be films about elves, gnomes, orcs, a list of which is presented in this publication.
Archetypes of the genre
The vast majority of cinema exploits the so-called races, conventionally classified as follows:
- Elves are outwardly magical creatures similar to humans, ancient centenarians who possess magic and protect nature.
- Orcs are barbarians invented by J. Tolkien, more like monkeys.
- Ogres and Trolls are mostly giants, less often cannibals, not distinguished by intelligence.
- Halflings are dwarfs like the hobbits of the same Tolkien.
- Dwarves are stunted stocky creatures, underground inhabitants, less often spirits of the earth.
- Fairies are mythological creatures of a subtle metaphysical nature, leading a hidden lifestyle, possessing supernatural abilities.
Today, the fantasy film genre encompasses an infinite number of diverse directions, based on mythology and folklore. It is not surprising that films about elves and orcs are so popular, because humanity has always attracted all the unknown. Although in popularity among filmmakers, all of the listed mythological creatures are much inferior to vampires, werewolves, aliens, and other characters.
Elves in movies and cartoons
Films about elves, the list of which is presented below, includes both art and animated films.
The cartoon musical directed by Manuel Moreno's Little Funny Elves (1934) is an adaptation of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. The plot tells the story of a poor shoemaker who fed and warmed a little elf who knocked on his last strength through the window. A fabulous creature generously rewarded its savior.
Most elf films present these fabulous creatures in a positive light. This statement can be confirmed by the work of director Luis Sandrini “When Elves Prey on Partridge” (1955). An interesting exception was Jeffrey Mandel’s horror film Elves (1989), which tells what happens if you accidentally wake up evil little creatures.
Christmas stories and more ...
Among Christmas cinema stories there are films about elves, which is not surprising, because Christmas is a fabulous, magical time. Chris Bartleman's animated film entitled "Christmas Elves" (1995) repeats the plot of the aforementioned fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, transferring its action on Christmas Eve. A wonderful Christmas tale for family viewing about love and kindness “Elf the Unbeliever” (1997) will tell the viewer about the adventures of a little elf from the North Pole, who dreamed of meeting Christmas at least once as an ordinary boy. The events of the animated film "Happy Elf-2" (2005) unfold also on the eve of a bright holiday.
The film "Jumping Elves" (1995) directed by Ted Nicolau is more a film about fairies and elves, they join forces to save their habitat from building under an amusement park. This fruitful theme was not ignored by the anime, the Japanese director Kazuyoshi Katayama presented to the audience the animated series "Those who hunt for elves" (1996).
Kinotrilogy and others
All parts of the eminent and super popular Lord of the Rings franchise are films about elves, gnomes, orcs. The list of cinema trilogies has three main paintings by Peter Jackson from the original book, and the cinema trilogy from the book “The Hobbit: Round Trip”, two parts of which have already appeared at the box office, can be considered an addition.
In addition to the legendary works, the attention of the audience certainly deserves the picture of the joint production of Germany and the USA “Elf” (2003). This moving film tells the story of an ordinary child, accidentally caught in the North Pole and raised by elves. The Japanese anime series “Elven Song” (2004) does not fit into the traditional format that films about elves have, and the main character in it is not a fairy-tale creature, but genetically modified.
Recommended for family viewing
The Spanish cartoon "Little Elf" (2006) can be safely recommended for viewing by the whole family. Children and adults will not be indifferent to the story of the little elf Tork, who was a gift toy, but thanks to the efforts of the fairies, Iris became a living creature.
A domestic product created with the direct participation of three European countries, Rolly and Elf: Incredible Adventures (2007) will immerse the viewer in a whirlpool of amazing adventures. No less amusing sight will be the Danish animated film “Ronal - the Barbarian” (2011), whose main character is the most atypical barbarian on Earth. Listing films about elves, it is worth mentioning the picture “Snow White and the Prince of the Elves” (2012), which is a free interpretation of the well-known story about Snow White and her evil stepmother.
New items
The ironic melodrama of Russian director Rustam Ilyasov “Castle of the Elves” (2013) is such a “reality plus” in which the main character invents and then draws monsters and fairy-tale creatures for new computer games.
In the film “Save Santa” (2013), the viewer will not find parody jokes and references in the style of “Shrek”, but he will rejoice for the inhabitants of a pretty town, charming little elves who can cause a smile and cheer up with their own look.
“Thor 2: The Kingdom of Darkness” (2013) - a film in which the main character Thor fights another misfortune - hordes of Dark Elves, is a reasonable combination of spectacular battles, impressive fantasy worlds and a purely comic book plot.
The fantastic action movie Warcraft (2015), shot in just 123 days, will immerse the viewer in the world of the famous game - an exemplary fantasy world awash with elves, dwarves, orcs, etc.