Mad Heidi (5 Stars)

I watched this film earlier this month. Is there any reason why I shouldn't watch it again? If you can think of a reason, let me know.

"Mad Heidi" is at the same time an exploitation film and a parody of films from past eras. Maybe I shouldn't call it a parody. It's more of an homage. It's also a tribute to the beauty of Switzerland. It's an idyllic country where people can enjoy the scenery. But in "Mad Heidi" this beautiful country has been tainted by Fascism. There's a new president who tells people what they can and can't eat, and those who disagree with him are shot.

Most of the first half takes place in a women's prison. That's the epitome of exploitation films. How many women behind bars films were made in the 1970's and 1980's?

After escaping from prison, Heidi is trained by warrior nuns.

Training scenes like this are common in modern films, everything from "Kill Bill" to "Emerald Green". I'm sure that these films are all copying from previous films. What's the first film to have a training scene like this. Was it "Karate Kid" or something older? I wish I could ask Quentin Tarantino. He'd give me an answer without a moment's hesitation.

I asked ChatGPT to write a review of the film. It was quite good, apart from mentioning German tourists, who don't appear in the film. I wonder where that came from. ChatGPT also gets the name of the lead actress wrong. Here's ChatGPT's review, slightly edited to remove the errors:

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"Mad Heidi" is a Swiss-made independent film that can be described as a humorous and twisted take on the classic tale of "Heidi". The movie was released in 2021 and is directed by Johannes Hartmann and co-written by Tero Kaukomaa.

The film is set in the Swiss Alps and follows the story of a rebellious Heidi who lives with her grandfather.

The first thing that stands out about "Mad Heidi" is its stunning visuals. The film is shot entirely in the Swiss Alps, and the cinematography is breathtaking. The scenery is beautifully captured, and the use of drone shots adds an extra layer of depth to the film.

The film's humour is irreverent and often shocking, with plenty of gory scenes and dark humour. It's definitely not a film for the faint of heart, but if you're a fan of horror and comedy, you'll find plenty to enjoy.

The acting in "Mad Heidi" is also top-notch. The cast is made up of a mix of seasoned actors and newcomers, and they all deliver great performances. The standout performance is undoubtedly by the lead actress, Alice Lucy, who plays Heidi with a rebellious and mischievous charm.

However, while the film has plenty of style and humour, it does fall short in terms of narrative. The story is often disjointed, and the pacing can feel slow at times. It also has a tendency to rely too heavily on shock value, which can detract from the overall experience.

Overall, "Mad Heidi" is a visually stunning and darkly humorous film that is worth a watch for fans of horror and comedy. While it may not be the most cohesive narrative, it's an entertaining ride that is sure to leave an impression.