Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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106 of 107 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Exploring the world of faeries, June 27, 2003
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.
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49 of 50 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Do you believe in fairies?, September 2, 2004
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!
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Faery Believers - You must own this film!, May 10, 2003
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
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