The Nutcracker Prince (1990)

Introduction
"The Nutcracker Prince" is an animated movie adjustment of E.T.A. Hoffmann's fairy tale "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's ballet "The Nutcracker". Directed by Paul Schibli in 1990, it is a Canadian production that integrates components of experience, love, fantasy, and vacation spirit.

Plot
The movie starts in Germany with a young girl named Clara who receives a spectacular Nutcracker doll as a Christmas gift from her eccentric uncle, Drosselmeier. Clara is oblivious of the truth that her precious Nutcracker is Hans, Drosselmeier's nephew, who has been cursed by the vengeful Mouse Queen after he had eliminated her kid.

The story comes alive when Clara and her elder bro, Fritz, are transferred by Drosselmeier's magical touch into a fantastical world. Here, the Nutcracker doll changes into a young prince, protecting his kingdom from the wicked Mouse Queen and her evil son, Mouse King.

Clara's Dream
One night, as Clara falls asleep after having fun with the Nutcracker, she imagines an intense battle in between giant mice led by the Mouse King and toy soldiers led by the Nutcracker Prince. Simply as the Nutcracker Prince will be defeated, Clara tosses her slipper at the Mouse King, rescuing the Nutcracker and turning the tide of the battle.

Adventures in the Land of Dolls
Following this, Clara and the Nutcracker Prince start a magical journey to the Land of Dolls, where the Nutcracker Prince was once the human prince before being cursed. Here, Clara and the prince witness and take part in a myriad of wonderful dancing series similar to those from the ballet, including the popular Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Clara becomes taken with the Nutcracker Prince and desires to break his curse.

Clara's Bravery
Their delighted moments are short-lived as the Mouse King tracks them down and kidnaps Clara. The Nutcracker Prince, after many exhilarating adventures, manages to conserve Clara and eliminate the Mouse King, thus breaking the curse. Oddly enough, the prince transforms back into his human type, not as Hans, but as a grown-up version himself.

Conclusion
Lastly, Clara wakes up from this seemingly long dream next to the Christmas tree with the Nutcracker doll in her arms. She firmly believes that it was not just a dream. When she meets her uncle's long-lost nephew, who strikingly looks like the Nutcracker Prince, Clara's belief reinforces. When it comes to whether it was a magic-infused truth or a dream, it's left to one's analysis. The film concludes with Clara and the prince dancing, similar to their time together in the wonderful Land of Dolls.

Overall
"The Nutcracker Prince" is an enchanting movie filled with fascinating animations and splendid orchestral music score drawn from Tchaikovsky's initial ballet. It wonderfully blends together the tales of captivated toys, wonderful lands, and bold fights, making it a best joyful reward for the whole household. The movie successfully transports its audience into a fantasy world while imparting lessons of bravery, love and altruism.

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