Humperdinck: Hänsel und Gretel (2008): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2008, Humperdinck: Hänsel und Gretel is a music film directed by Brooks Riley, running about 98 minutes. “Hocus pocus! Hansel and Gretel in a fairy production by Johannes Felsenstein” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Johannes Felsenstein’s production of HANSEL AND GRETEL presents it with every sinister element removed. The children remain in a home setting with their own bed central to the scene and the barest hint of a forest behind, while their father plays the witch as an amiable, totally benevolent figure, not sinister at all, even joining them in the final joyful ensemble. When they sing that the witch is dead, you find that the production contradicts that completely. Taking that unsinister stance means that the opera loses much of its bite. No doubt Felsenstein felt that it would make the piece more accessible for very young children, though many of them relish the sinister element. That said, it is a strong and capable performance, very well conducted and with a cast of good if not outstanding singers. One wonders what Felsenstein meant to convey, just as it is not clear why the central characters should regularly be carrying dolls. A highly individual version of a much-loved opera.

Who’s in it. Humperdinck: Hänsel und Gretel stars Ludmil Kuntschew as Peter, broom maker, Alexandra Petersamer as Gertrud, his wife, Sabine Noack as Hänsel, their son and Cornelia Marschall as Gretel, their daughter, among others.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Humperdinck: Hänsel und Gretel page.

If you liked it. Fans of Humperdinck: Hänsel und Gretel tend to enjoy Whiplash, Coco, Green Book and The Legend of 1900.