Watch The Little Matchgirl

The Little Matchgirl is a 2006 animated short film based on a famous story by Hans Christian Andersen. The movie sets the fairy tale in the bustling city of Victorian London, where a young girl named Karen is trying to sell matches on the streets. She is barefoot, poorly dressed, and has no family or friends to help her. People pass her by without paying her any attention, and Karen is left to face the cold and indifference of the world around her.

As day turns into night, Karen is still unable to sell any matches, and she is getting colder and weaker. In a desperate attempt to warm herself up, she decides to light a match, and as she does, she is transported to a magical world where she meets her grandmother, who has passed away. Her grandmother is kind and loving, and Karen feels safe and comforted in her presence. However, as soon as the matches burn out, Karen is back on the streets, alone and shivering.

Throughout the movie, we follow Karen on her journey to survive the harsh realities of life, and we see how she finds small moments of joy and beauty amidst the hardship. The Little Matchgirl is a touching and emotional story that deals with themes such as poverty, loneliness, and the cruelty of fate. The movie captures the essence of Andersen's original tale, but it also adds new dimensions to the story by making Karen a fully developed character with hopes, dreams, and fears.

One of the most striking aspects of The Little Matchgirl is its visual style. The animation is done in the traditional 2D hand-drawn style, which gives the movie a nostalgic and timeless feel. The drawings are delicate and detailed, and the colors are subdued and muted, adding to the melancholic atmosphere of the film. However, there are also moments of vibrant colors and fantastical imagery when Karen enters the magical realm of her grandmother. The animation shows great attention to detail, and the London cityscape has a lived-in feeling, with brick buildings, lanterns, and cobblestone streets.

Another aspect of the movie that stands out is the music. The Little Matchgirl features a beautiful score by Mark Mancina, who is known for his work on blockbuster movies such as The Lion King and Tarzan. The music is melancholic and poignant, perfectly complementing the visuals and the mood of the movie. It adds depth and emotion to the story and elevates the movie to a whole new level.

The voice acting in The Little Matchgirl is also noteworthy. The movie features an ensemble cast of talented actors, including some of the biggest names in the industry such as Jane Horrocks, Sara Crowe, and Jo Wyatt. The voice acting is natural and understated, and the actors do a great job of bringing the characters to life. Karen's voice, in particular, is filled with innocence and vulnerability, which makes her character all the more sympathetic.

Overall, The Little Matchgirl is a beautiful and heart-wrenching movie that tells a timeless story about the human condition. It is a poignant reminder of the power of hope and the resilience of the human spirit. The movie is suitable for viewers of all ages, and it is a must-watch for anyone who loves animation, fairy tales, or emotionally charged stories. The Little Matchgirl is a rare gem of a movie that will touch your heart and stay with you long after the credits roll.

The Little Matchgirl is a 2006 animated movie. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.