Is Nutcracker Delights: English National Ballet Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Music, Fantasy, Family cinema, the 2020 release of Nutcracker Delights: English National Ballet stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into English National Ballet has been performing a version of Nutcracker every year since 1950. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Music, Fantasy, Family are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "English National Ballet has been performing a version of Nutcracker every year since 1950. In 2020, the tradition lives on. Join Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker on a hot air balloon ride to the Land of Snow, and enjoy iconic scenes featuring the Sugar Plum Fairy, Snowflakes, Flowers and more. As London moved into Tier 4 COVID-19 restrictions with the subsequent cancellation of all scheduled performances of Nutcracker Delights, the Company decided to film and share a recording of this specially-adapted production with its audience as a thank you at the close of its 70th Anniversary year. Nutcracker Delights was filmed on 18 and 19 December at the London Coliseum by Michael Nunn and William Trevitt."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Anchoring the narrative with a presence that is both commanding and subtle, Simon Callow delivers a turn that is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant. This is Music acting at its most potent.

The direction by Michael Nunn is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 62 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Nutcracker Delights: English National Ballet truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Music, Fantasy, Family, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 8/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Nutcracker Delights: English National Ballet explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Michael Nunn respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Nutcracker Delights: English National Ballet is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Simon Callow or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Nutcracker Delights: English National Ballet is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.