The Little Troll Prince

The Little Troll Prince is a captivating animated film released in 1987, aimed at the family audience. It boasts the talent of notable movie stars such as Danny Cooksey, Vincent Price, and Jonathan Winters. The film is a delightful blend of fantasy, adventure and moral lessons which make it a fitting watch for both children and adults.

In the movie, Danny Cooksey is the voice of Bu, the protagonist, who is a young troll prince dwelling in the shadowy world beneath the mountains. Unruly and adventurous, Bu is fascinated by the vibrant world above his subterranean home, irrespective of the scary stories he is told about the humans by his fellow trolls. His daring demeanor is evident in his curiosity to discover the unknown, stripping him of the fears attached to stepping out of one's comfort zone.

Vincent Price, that stalwart of grand, gothic horror, lends his inimitable voice to the movie's villain, the calculating troll king, King Gneiss. Intoxicatingly charismatic, King Gneiss is a character shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Price personifies this role remarkably, his rich, commanding voice echoing the fierce tyranny and manipulative traits of the figures. As King Gneiss, he rules with an iron fist, determined to keep the trolls living in fear and control them with his oppressive regime.

Adding a dose of humor to the story is Jonathan Winters, who voices the eccentric troll wizard, Cresote. Full of pranks and wit, Cresote is a splash of sunshine in the underground troll world. Winters expertly brings out the peak of Cresote's comic persona, enabling audiences to find comfort and comic relief within the overarching narrative.

The Little Troll Prince seamlessly explores the overlapping worlds of humans and trolls. It brings out the contrasting beliefs, cultures, and practices through the eyes of a young troll. It is an allegorical exploration of the eternal clash between good and evil, between understanding and prejudice. This is much more than just an animated fantasy. It’s an exploration of empathy and acceptance, displaying that even the most culturally different beings can find common ground.

The film creatively tackles the theme of the consequences faced due to disobedience and rebellion. Additionally, it stresses the importance of staying true to one's beliefs and convictions while respecting differences. It motivates viewers to question, enquire and challenge age-old beliefs and traditions, particularly if they seem oppressive or insensitive. The film presents these themes through vivid animation and storytelling and imparts a positive yet significant message.

The plot takes its audience through a series of adventures and close-knit escapes, laced with a streak of humor and mischief. The screenplay is filled with ample action and heart-touching moments, making the movie an enchanting experience.

Bu's journey, both literally and metaphorically, forms the crux of the movie. His character development, from being sceptical and fearful to embracing courage and wisdom, unfolds beautifully. Cooksey's outstanding voice work deserves applause as he convincingly portrays a range of emotions, from fear and confusion to bravery and conviction. His sheer audacity and untamed spirit will likely cause the audience to root for him right from the first frame.

The supporting characters, each with unique quirks and peculiarities, contribute to the narrative's richness. They add dimensions to the story, making it dynamic and engaging.

In terms of its technical aspects, the animation quality is top-notch, considering the era in which the movie was made. The settings, especially the troll kingdom, are extraordinarily detailed and visually appealing. The color contrast between the dark, gloomy underground world and the bright, lively outer world is used effectively to visually narrate the stark differences in the two environments.

The music score in The Little Troll Prince is worth mentioning, as it seamlessly blends with the narrative, enhancing the movie's atmospherics. It effortlessly takes audiences on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

In conclusion, The Little Troll Prince is an engaging adventure-filled exploration of cultural understanding and battling prejudice. The skilled voice acting of Cooksey, Price, and Winters enhances the cinematic experience and adds a unique charm to the film. An absolute gem from the 80s, it’s a movie worth revisiting for an enjoyable family time, reminding viewers of the enduring power of empathy and courage.