Directed by Terry Gilliam, The Brothers Grimm (2005) is a creative and exaggerated portrayal of legendary folklorists Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. The story casts the brothers as conmen in early 19th Century French-occupied Germany, duping villagers into paying them to expel fake witches. However, when a real evil queen sorceress, dormant for 500 years, seeks to steal the youth from young girls in a nearby town… the phony exorcists must summon real courage to face a genuine fairy tale curse. Many references to famous fairy tales are present, including Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, the Gingerbread Man and Snow White. The set designs are artistic and stylish, adding a unique twist on historic medieval architecture. Matt Damon and Heath Ledger are an odd but good pairing as the Brothers Grimm. Lena Headey is tough in her supporting role. Monica Bellucci steals the show, though, looking radiant and enticingly sexy as the beautiful youth-obsessed Queen. Peter Stormare costars.
