Introduction"The Thief and the Cobbler" is a 1993 British-American animated dream film directed by Richard Williams, who likewise served as the animation director on Disney's "Who Framed Roger Rabbit". At first conceived in the 1960s, the movie had a troubled production process, covering over 28 years, and eventually was launched in an unfinished format. The film is loosely based upon the fairy tale "One Thousand and One Nights" and features a distinct combination of conventional animation, elaborate style, and complicated visuals, making it a fascinating masterpiece in the history of animation.
PlotThe story is embeded in a fantastical Golden City, ruled by the kind-hearted and slightly eccentric King Nod. The city is secured from any hazard by three powerful golden balls placed on the greatest turret of the palace, which are said to hold tremendous power. The devoted cobbler Tack assists preserve the city, while the protagonist, the titular anonymous Thief, spends his days stealing around the city searching for fortune.
One day, the kingdom's wicked Grand Vizier, Zigzag, finds out of a prophecy specifying that the kingdom will fall when the golden balls are stolen by a wicked one-eyed warlord, King One-Eye. Zigzag, hungry for power, chooses to ally with King One-Eye to surpass the Golden City. While attempting to leave from Zigzag's clutches, Tack inadvertently stumbles upon the trick of the golden balls, infuriating Zigzag and causing Tack's jail time.
In the meantime, the Thief sneakily attempts to steal the golden balls, unintentionally causing their theft by King One-Eye's minions. The news of the prophecy's fulfillment spreads out throughout the kingdom, resulting in chaos and panic.
Meanwhile, the cobbler falls in love with Princess Yum-Yum, the child of King Nod, after she discovers him in jail and frees him. The couple embarks on a daring adventure to retrieve the golden balls and conserve the city from the approaching attack. They journey through desolate deserts, where they find out the true magic of the golden balls and encounter a variety of eccentric characters and treacherous traps.
Production HistoryThe production of "The Thief and the Cobbler" is a prolonged and distressed tale that covered nearly three decades. Richard Williams started working on the movie in 1964 and intended for it to be his masterpiece. The project was at first funded by numerous art grants and private funding from pals. Nevertheless, problems arose as the film neared completion, as Warner Bros., the original supplier, revoked the offer.
In 1988, after "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" became a success, Warner Bros. chose to fund the movie's conclusion, but the project was still pestered with situations such as Williams's persistence on creative perfection and the production's installing expenses. The film ultimately fell under the hands of the Completion Bond Company, which managed its completion without Williams's involvement.
Release and ReceptionIn 1993, "The Thief and the Cobbler" was lastly launched, albeit in an unfinished kind, under the title "The Princess and the Cobbler". The movie wound up being an industrial and important disappointment, with critics noting its insufficient nature and narrative inconsistencies. However, numerous still lauded its amazing visual and style elements.
For many years, the movie has garnered a cult following, with several fan-made "Re-Cobbled" variations trying to restore the film, based upon director Richard Williams's initial vision. These versions employ a combination of the readily available original video footage, storyboards, and pencil tests to complete the story as closely as possible to Williams's intended masterpiece.
In conclusion, "The Thief and the Cobbler" stands as a testament to the power of creative vision and the value of protecting a director's original intent. In spite of its distressed production history and blended reception upon release, the movie continues to be cherished by animation lovers for its distinct visuals, unique story, and enthusiastic scale.
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