Customer Reviews

The Fairy Faith [VHS]

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As far as I know, this is the only documentary film to examine the belief in faeries. It deserves credit on this basis alone, especially for those of us who have a fascination with this subject. Filmmaker John Walker interviews people throughout the British Isles and Cape Breton who share their beliefs, stories and experiences with these otherworldly creatures. The film is nicely photographed; along with scenes of faery mounds and mystical landscapes there are paintings by faery artist Brian Froud (who is also interviewed) along with Victorian paintings. One of the things that becomes evident is that, for believers, the world of faery is not something to be trifled with. There are several accounts of people who paid dearly for violating the privacy of these beings. Walker also follows the case of a folklorist's ultimately successful attempt to save a tree that is allegedly sacred to faeries. It was going to be cut down to make way for a road. It was ominously predicted that many accidents were sure to occur on this site. The Fairy Faith is unlikely to convince skeptics that faeries are real. At worst, this film is a fascinating study in a folklore that goes back many centuries. At best, it's a doorway into an intriguing world that co-exists with our own.

For anyone enchanted by the ancient myths of fairy lore, your collection is not complete without this wonderful documentary by John Walker, which is 77 minutes in length. He takes the viewer on a magical journey through England, Scotland and Cape Breton, interviewing locals and listening to their stories about the "little people". Many of these people's beliefs are downright questionable, and I often found myself laughing and raising an eyebrow at what some of them had to say, but I did sometimes catch myself wondering if these mysterious creatures really are just legend or if they truly do exist? I for one find it hard to believe the latter as I am more of a logistic thinker but as I look back at my childhood, I wonder if some of the things I saw and experienced as a small girl were simply a figment of my overactive imagination or if I was seeing it all, with more clarity than I ever will again, because I was not yet corrupted by life as an adult - living, in the rational world, to believe that there's reasoning behind every unexplainable, supernatural occurrence. Perhaps as we grow older we build a shield around ourselves, refusing to accept things we can no longer see with our own two eyes? I'm certainly not convinced that there are fairies dwelling among us but this documentary at least makes you ponder these things...

The cinematography is absolutely stunning, and the drawings they show amidst gorgeous, traditional Celtic music are beautiful to behold and listen to, magnifying the already breathtaking landscapes. But what I enjoyed most about this DVD was the interview with artist Brian Froud, who mostly talks about his dark, mischievous fairies, and how he became enthralled with them. And yes, he does believe they're fact, not fiction. I also found it sad how they (they who are surely cursed) were tearing down four to five-thousand year old trees - or "fairy forts" - to build a new highway. It reminds me of how they built a highway near stonehedge and how that ruined the sacred, mystical beauty of the place.

I still question my faith in these strange, elusive elves and pixies but if there's one thing I've learned from this well-executed documentary, it would be to not interfere with a fairy if you were to ever encounter one as they are not all sweet. Nor are they forgiving!

I believe that every faery lover should own this film!!
I run a large faery believers club at my domain at faery-magic.com and encourage members to see this film, in fact, I believe in this movie so much, I have copies that members can borrow just to watch it!
It is the most beautiful and extensive film on faery folklore in existence. It is not a story or a fairytale, it is a series of interviews with faery believers around the world, including Brian Froud. There is also a running narrative of faery history and folklore by the film maker.
The history and stories of sightings will have you believing, wanting to believe or at the very least this film will make you think twice!
The whole idea of this film and how it is made is captivating. The scenes of Ireland and Scotland will leave you breathless and aching to visit. The Fairy Fortress will astound you, the fairy harpist will mesmerise you, the fairy flag will amaze you and there is so much more I cannot even mention it all. Fairy music has long been a great love of mine and I hung on every word the musicians told and every note they played.
I agree that this is the definitive film on faery folklore to be made to date. Own it, you will love it!

~Faery Babe~ The Faery Believers Club 2003

I am a lover of the fae and a believer and I found this DVD to be extremely enlightening to those around me. Show it to your family and friends that scoff or mock your belief in fairies! You will have them thinking for sure, my family now look for faeries everywhere and some of the younger members have had sightings. This is a beautifully presented and detailed documentary on fairy folklore. The scenery is breathtaking, the interviews are interesting and at times haunting. Brian Froud is a highlight and his comments are heartfelt and believable. The fairy harpist was also fascinating, her music ethereal and mystical. These are very articulate and intelligent people discussing fairies in a very matter of fact and quite believable way. I urge you, if you have any doubt about the reality of the Faery Realm, then you must see this DVD! Other highlights include an ancient fairy flag, a fairy fortress that sparkles like jewels and the fairy fiddler. Young and old viewers alike will enjoy The Fairy Faith. This is likely to be the definitive and the very best film ever made on fairy folklore! BELIEVE...

Filmmaker John Walker has done all of us a big favor, believers and non-believers alike, in presenting us with this wonderfully charming and informative documentary on the 'Kingdom of Fairy.'

John's journey of discovery begins in Nova Scotia, Canada, a place not too unfamiliar to me having spent several summer vacations with my maternal Grandparents and extended family in and around the Isle of Newfoundland. While in Nova Scotia he takes part in a discussion with a classroom of local first graders on the topic of the elusive nature of the fairy phenomenon and the difficulty adults have in seeing them, a problem not as prevalent in children.

Soon John is off to England, Ireland, Scotland and Cape Breton in search of the 'wee folk,' documenting a wonderous array of on-camera interviews, numerous firsthand accounts of fairy encounters and a wealth of information all filmed against the breathtaking beauty of the Emerald Isle. It even includes a brief interview with the famous and reclusive fairy artist Brian Froud.

Absolutely enchanting! Do you believe in fairies? I'm not afraid to admit it, I DO!

This 77 minute documentary film is interesting. It takes us on a tour through Ireland, Scotland, England and Cape Breton where we meet several people who share their experiences, visions, sightings and folk stories regarding fairies. The people we meet are all charming and the scenery in these locations where faery lore is abundant is equally charming. I thoroughly enjoyed the film. It was like visiting with my Nana and Grandpa and hearing their tales of the faery realm. I felt comforted by the honest matter-of-fact way they shared their feelings, ideas and experiences. They weren't the least bit worried that they might seem far-fetched or unbelievable because in these countries there is healthy respect for the fey. I enjoyed experiencing that openness and credibility. I would tell anyone with an interest in faeries or the Celtic world or in magic to check this documentary out. The reason I only give it three stars is that I didn't feel it was far-reaching enough. It really didn't knock me over in any way. I would have been happy as can be to have come across it while channel surfing. I would have certainly considered it a good program and worth the 77 minutes spent viewing it, though some of it was a bit on the dull side. However, to order it and pay over...for it was too much. It doesn't contain anything that any student of faery lore hasn't heard a hundred times. It isn't a film I would watch again because I got the good of it from the one viewing and it's not profound enough or enlightening enough to warrant repeated viewings. If you can rent it or borrow it from a friend, by all means do so, but you can spend...more productively on other faery information or maybe start an account and save up to visit the Celtic countries personally where you can talk to the people and maybe experience the fey yourself.

Film maker John Walker has produced an exceptionally beautiful and suprisingly informative documentary on individuals for whom faerie is a vital part of their lives. His interviews of people who have had encounters with faerie are insightful and revealing and his capturing of the enchanted landscape is at times breathtaking. Included in the program is a rare interview with internationally acclaimed faery artist Brian Froud. This tape is a must for any lover of faerie.

I really enjoyed this movie! The movie is a documentary about people who actually believe in fairies. Some of the people interviewed have seen them and speak with them. It takes place mainly in Ireland, Scotland, & England. It contains many very interesting stories and folk tales. It is full of beautiful artwork of fairies as well as gorgeous scenery throughout.If you have any doubts that fairies are real this movie will banish them. This movie is a must see for anyone who truly believes!!!

The Fairy Faith is a delightful documentary about the wee ones, with wonderful interviews with many people who have seen fairies and elves in Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Skye, and Canada. I especially loved the way the classic folk tales about fairies were interspersed with people telling their very own stories about first-hand observations, and the footage of the knolls and woods and streams where fairies are so often seen. The Fairy Faith really takes off toward the end of the film, where the real-life witnesses describe increasingly hair-raising incidents with fairies and elves. Another high point of this film is the interview with artist Brian Froud, whose spectacular paintings and sculptures bring the faces and personalities of fairies out of hiding and into view.

Documentary film-maker John Walker describes becoming interested in fairies because of his grandmother's faith that they were real, and Walker's journey to meet with other believers is clearly intended to delve deeper into finding a better understanding for why some people have such faith in these little ones. I was impressed to see how many people in The Fairy Faith are such strong believers in fairies, and how their stories clearly indicate that there are some things we humans just barely comprehend.

Of all the documentaries I've seen in recent years, this is the one that I want to watch again and again. I love the gorgeous scenery, the fascinating tales, the captivating art work, and the spell-binding stories by those who have witnessed the fairies in real life... this is my favorite documentary!

I absolutely treasure this DVD. I know I will watch it numerous times! It is simply THE BEST! The photography is enchanting. The people interviewed are wonderful because they are fairy messengers with their stories that simply convey this thought, "Consider this. Fairies may exist." I have been blessed in leading spiritual tours to sacred sights around the world and it was PURE JOY to find that John Walker had been "inspired" to include many of these locations in his FAIRY FAITH. I want to thank John for sharing with the world the art of Brian Froud and the music of Elizabeth Jane Baldry. This DVD is rich, rich, rich with inspiration. Plus! By buying this video you will get to see the incredible photograph taken at Gluskap's Cave. My husband, who is a logical-thinking engineer watched the video with me and his comment to me was that the movie unveils a wonderful state of mind that's available to everyone. He added that with the way things are in the world today, it was wonderful to dwell in the "fairy" space created by this DVD.