MFDB

Storyline

Life’s never been easy for eccentrics, least of all during the Middle Ages.Old Archibald, for example, finds himself suddenly cast out of the town by the countess’ arrogant physician and advisor. Never having thought too much of humankind anyway, Archibald sets off, accompanied by his goat, Sophie, into the ‘Forest of Illusions’, where he plans to spend the rest of his life as a hermit.On the way there,however, he comes across a bundle of clothes and discovers in their midst – a little girl.Written in blood on her little jacket are the words:‘take care of Mariken’. The old man and the girl live happily together far away from the madding crowd. Everything Mariken needs to know about life and her feelings is gleaned from a wise old book entitled ‘Humankind – A Farce.’ One day, Sophie falls prey to a poacher and so Mariken sets off for the town to buy a new goat. For the first time in her life, the little girl who is so eager to learn, sees with her own eyes all the things which, up to now, she has only read about. She also sees very many peculiar things besides... On her travels, she meets the god-fearing but fearful Black Widow, who keeps her nephew locked up in a stable because she believes him to be a child of the devil. Mariken manages to escape the clutches of the old woman, promising the unhappy boy that she will to return to save him. At the fair, Mariken meets the clown Joachim, who is clad in a marvellous devil’s costume. He takes Mariken with him to meet his colourful troupe of travelling entertainers, where Joachim’s wife, Isabella and mother,Griet,welcome her with open arms. Shortly afterwards, the troupe put on a performance at the castle for the countess, where the carefree young Mariken attracts the attention of the hard- hearted, childless noblewoman. Suddenly deciding to keep Mariken and raise her as her own daughter, the countess throws the entertainers out of the castle. But Joachim and company are not prepared to take this abduction of Mariken so lightly...

Festivals & Academy awards and others

Berlin International Film Festival 2001
Kinderfilmfest