Wolfen MoondaughterArt Director and Assistant Reviews Editrix This one sticks more to the original ending, but it takes other liberties with the story, including adding in some mice characters to help the tin soldier reunite with the ballerina. Another version I enjoy is the 1986 movie. And I cheer for how deftly the tin soldier maneuvers and defeats his foe. The rats are used for scary atmosphere more than villains. This version really plays up the soldier's bravery (and one leg) as well as how much of a slimeball the Jack-in-the-box is. It's the Disney animated version featured in Fantasia 2000 (music only, no words). My favorite version of this story is actually one with a happy ending (which the original obviously doesn't have, being more tragic and bittersweet). Of course, once again, there are rats painted as bad guys (though definitely not the real villains of the story). One of the standout things in it is that the Tin Soldier is missing one leg! I love that he doesn't let it hinder him, and the way it's used to connect him with the ballerina is an adorable misunderstanding. In contrast, the story of "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" has aspects that I enjoy in any version of the tale.
Of course, I also love how the rat king helps the nutcracker! It is an unusual take on the story, to be sure, but definitely worth reading. It takes the original opening of the clockmaker giving a nutcracker to Clara and runs with it in a rich and twisted manner. (You can read my review here.) However, it wasn't until I read "The Soldier Prince" in Leigh Bardugo's The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic that I had my first glimpse of how good the story could be (without tying it to other stories). The Drosselmeier Chronicles: The Solstice Tales takes the premise, works in some fae magic and pagan beliefs, and ties it to another classic tale. The first twist on the story that I enjoyed is by our very own Tart, Wolfen Moondaughter. I have, however, come across a couple versions of the story that were tolerable and somewhat enjoyable. There's just not enough to the story or the characters to interest me. Perhaps it's because the second act seems pointless when it comes to the plot. Perhaps my fondness for rats and mice has been part of why the story generally doesn't sit well with me. I have never been a big fan of The Nutcracker in any media.
Sheena McNeil Editrix-in-Chief & Reviews Editrix
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