Is Der Spiegel des großen Magus Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1981)

📖 The Core Premise

Der Spiegel des großen Magus returns to the screen in 1981, bringing a fresh narrative to the Fantasy, Family genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "The evil and powerful King Magus brutally subjugates the people of his kingdom. Anyone who does not want to submit is turned into an animal and locked in a cage. Magus kidnaps the girl Hanna, whom he wants to marry. But Hanna refuses, and her lover, the shepherd Elias, goes to the castle to free her. He learns from Magus' servant Pravos that a mirror gives the king magic power and immortality and that he can only be defeated by water from the Moon Lake. Elijah sets out on his journey to the Moon Lake. Will he withstand the dangers and finally achieve victory over the king? Wrid he be able to free Hanna and the whole kingdom?"

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Klaus Piontek does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Fantasy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Der Spiegel des großen Magus worth your time? If you appreciate Fantasy, Family films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Der Spiegel des großen Magus is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 80 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.