There are timeless fantasy classics that need to be rediscovered by every generation, but are definitely worth the streaming excursion. And that’s because they convincingly emulate the Lord of the Rings role model with an exciting adventure story, engaging characters and an enchanting world – and still tell their own story. Disney+ has such a fantasy highlight in its program: willow.
Disney+: Willow’s Fantasy features Lord of the Rings companions and an epic journey
The young farmer Willow (Warwick Davis from the Harry Potter films) from the small Nelwyn people dreams of one day to become a powerful wizard. (What fantasy and Harry Potter fan couldn’t relate?) But instead of being chosen as the new student by his village’s magician, a baby falls into his hands. For his neighbors, the case is clear: they must get rid of the child as soon as possible.
Before the Disney+ visit: Immerse yourself in the world of Willow in the fantasy trailer
Willow – Trailer
Willow is chosen to bring the girl back to the great Daikini (aka humans). At this point, however, he does not yet know that the child is the young princess Elora who is prophesied to Fall of the Evil Witch Queen bring about Bavmorda (Jean Marsh). Unsuspecting, he stumbles into his own adventure… with great Lord of the Rings parallels.
The untrustworthy Madmartigan (Val Kilmer), who actually only acts for his own benefit, joins Willow on his journey, as does the self-enchanted sorceress Raziel, two thumb-sized fierce warriors and a villain converted by love spell tangles. In short: a Lord of the Rings community is created, even if they all initially unwilling companions are. The baby becomes her “ring”, which must be protected at all costs, even if the great opponent Bavmorda sends her minions (like the black rider general Kael) against her from her dark fortress.
Fantasy role model: Willow has Lord of the Rings parallels on Disney+, and for good reason
Rumor has it that the Lord of the Rings similarities stem from the fact that Willow actually started out as a completely different project: Star Wars dad George Lucas allegedly initially wanted to film Tolkien’s The Hobbit but didn’t get the rights and so wrote his own story (Title: “Munchkins”) with many parallels to the Middle-earth story. (Dune fans will probably be familiar with George Lucas’s copying and reinterpretation in the Star Wars context.) In the end, the main thing that was preserved was the Hobbit idea that Heroism has nothing to do with body size Has.
©Disney
Willow has his own Lord of the Rings hobbits
Willow was also partially filmed in New Zealand in 1988. Conversely, it could also be said that the film was made at an early Fantasy trailblazer followed by Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy a decade later.
Willow has gorgeous fantasy ideas and loads of action and heart
As a fantasy film, Willow brings with it a far more humorous tone than The Lord of the Rings. Nevertheless, the work (released from 12 years) does not forget that it an adventure and not a children’s film is. At the end, a big battle with magic duels and huge monsters awaits.
Overall, Ron Howard’s fantasy milestone at Disney+ is primarily characterized by his lovable characters and creative ideas out. The fact that the film is 34 years old is hardly a problem: The black queen’s “Death Dogs”, for example, are made as a menacing cross between dogs and rats in equal parts simple, convincing and ingenious. The rest is imaginative creature craftsmanship that contrasts nicely with today’s CGI staples.
In between, a whole Army turned into pigs, which is a feast in the intermediate stages of transformation. And young Val Kilmer as a talented swordsman in one scene and a busty one in the next crossdresser Experiencing it is a fantasy experience in itself anyway.
Even if you’ve known Willow for a long time, it’s about time for a rewatch. Because with the fantasy series Willow, the story from back then will be continued this year on Disney +: A first Willow series trailer has just appeared.
Willow and More Fantasy Movies: 10 Streaming Tips on Amazon, Netflix and Disney+
If you want to discover other extraordinary worlds, characters and stories in addition to Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, here are 10 strong streaming recommendations for fantasy films that are currently available on Netflix, Amazon and Disney+.
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Whether it’s a classic, an animated film, a blockbuster or an insider’s tip: the streaming services are guaranteed to have something for every fantasy fan’s taste. Dragons, Polymorphs, Stardust, Epic Journeys and Sorcery included.
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As fantasy fans, have you seen Willow on Disney+ yet?