v1.0 . THE SWAN LAKE FAIRY TALE AFTER MOTIFS FROM TCHAIKOVSKY'S BALLET Show a touch more love in your picking, will you? Friedrich, this is about your future. I know, but ... They all look so similar, don't you think? Should we invite all of them? - No, absolutely not. I will make a choice. Hm? WRITTEN BY FILM MUSIC Hey, Fritz. What's up? COSTUME DESIGN Wow. PRODUCTION DESIGN I'm the first to try it when it's done. That's what I expected, Benno. - Oh! When's the party? Party? Feels more like a matchmaking session. CAMERA You're getting hitched, Fritz. I have to decide who gets an invite. I'll take over with pleasure. This one's a yes, right? Charming. She absolutely must come. A definite yes. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT She's lovely too. Since when do you fancy women? Stop it, we're not inviting all of them. And why not? You need a break. Let's go for a wander. Great idea. Fine, then. But after that, we'll go through the ones you've weeded out. DIRECTED BY I've got a plan for where we're riding off to today. SWAN LAKE Absolutely out of question. Come on, we've been wanting to go there since forever. Yes, today's the day. - Absolutely not. ENCHANTED WOODS - KEEP OUT DANGER TO LIFE - NO RETURN These woods lie outside my mother's kingdom. Do you believe the evil sorcerer exists? It's just rumours. - They say people have disappeared here. We've been here a thousand times. But we never went into the woods. Exactly, it's high time. - It'll be all right. Come on, Fritz. Once you're king, adventures are off the table. There it is. See? Nothing odd around here. For now. We're still inside the enchanted woods. Come on, I want to see Swan Lake. There! Whoever hits it first, wins! Prepare to lose, Toni! - That's a piece of cake. Three, two, one ... - No, stop! What is it? - We can't harm the swan. What's up with you all of a sudden? I ... I don't know, I ... You're right. Such a killjoy. What was that? Was it a boar? Don't freak out. Come on, let's gather some firewood. Because fire keeps away the wild animals. You ... Benno, wait up! "Enchanted woods", as if. People love stories like this. Once upon a time there was a prince and his friends who dared to venture into the evil sorcerer Rothbart's territory. But in reality, he didn't exist. The end. What are you doing here? And what were you doing? Did you really try to hit me with a stone? What are you, five? Hello? Can't you speak, did you fall on your head? I'm perfectly ordinary, unlike you. You were a swan just a moment ago! - Yes, one you almost killed. Don't exaggerate, I didn't even throw it. And why didn't you? I ... I couldn't do it. You couldn't, I see. No, I ... Come with me, quick! Rothbart. To what do I owe this pleasure? Did you come to take your curse back? Who is here? You and me? Someone has trespassed into my realm. Who says that? Your crystal ball? Somebody is here. With all due respect, Rothbart, but ... I think you should get yourself a new crystal ball. This is my realm. No one tells me what to do. Especially not you. Leave me in peace, then! I decide when I come and go. You're welcome. I just saved your life. Sorcerer Rothbart really exists? Yes. He's my stepfather. What's up with your old ball? She showed me something. Are you sure this thing is still working? Why should it not be working? There's someone at Swan Lake. - Would that be so bad? I won't tolerate intruders. - Let it go, Daddy. What's there for you to fear? You're right, my dear. And when then sun rises, you turn into a swan? Yes, day in, day out. Nothing but algae and grass. But you can fly. Do you have any idea how hard it is just to get off the ground? If I could experience it just once. I'd gladly give it all up if I could just be human again. Is there no way to undo the curse? There's a counter-spell for every spell. There is. In theory. The curse will be undone if someone vows true love to me. So never. That's all? Someone has to vow their love to you? What was your name again? Odette. But ... Odette! I love you! And you really think that will do? I swear to it. You're so naive. I am not. You don't know anything about true love. I am sorry. Good night? I woke up last night. I saw you. Both of you. Who was that? - Odette. She's a swan-maiden. She's what? She has to live as a swan. Rothbart cursed her. I see. You don't want to talk about her? No, no, I ... - No worries, Fritz. You promised me to make a choice. I'm sorry, I ... - Enjoyed yourself, as always. What do you mean "as always"? The invitations for the ball have to be sent out today. You will go through them now. Right here. So, what do you think, Romeo? To invite or to not invite? Good choice. Invited. Romeo. This can't be true. - I am not invited to the ball? Don't worry, my dear. You will go to the ball. And the prince will choose you. Am I getting the wedding of my dreams? Yes, of course. With dancing and music. And guests from all over the world. And I will be living in the castle, wearing the most beautiful gowns and attending receptions. Once you are married to him, we will reign over the whole kingdom. And I will be a proper princess. - Of course you will. And my sorcery will go beyond the enchanted woods and be feared across the kingdom. At last. Splendid. I will let the invitations be sent out at once. It is going to be a wonderful ball, you will see. Mother? True love ... What's true love? True love is ... When you choose the right one, love will follow naturally. You've been practising in secret, you nerd. Unlike you. It's your turn. Your Highness? Oh, yes. Looks like your thoughts are still with the ladies, huh? Did you feel that gust of wind as well? Yeah, Toni, the wind. What's up with you today? Fritz was struck by Cupid's arrow. Cupid's arrow? Did I miss something? Guys, just go on without me. Fritz? Now tell me. What happened? Otto. Friedrich. Do you fancy another dessert? - No, thank you. I want to bake a cake. It needs to be perfect. What's the lucky lady's name? Odette. Her name's Odette. Will you help me? It looks absolutely perfect. Otto? How do you know when you love someone? Love is something people have been racking their brains over for ages. But you're in love too, right? Yes, I am. But still, I know little. I just know one thing: There's no recipe for love. Every love is unique. And ... full of surprises. Thank you, Otto. ENCHANTED WOODS - KEEP OUT DANGER TO LIFE - NO RETURN Be careful, root ahead. What are we doing? - It's a surprise. Don't peek. - No, I won't. It's apple pie, isn't it? With lavender. - You just tasted that like that? It's my favourite cake. Did you do all of this for me? Thank you. I grew up back there, on the other side of the woods. Is it nice there? It's beautiful. Nowhere near as bleak as here. It sounds like you were happy there. I was. I never thought I would show it to anybody. Thank you for doing so. And how do we get down again? We fly. Will you make a habit out of bringing me picnics from now on? I guess you liked it. What exactly happened? I'm sorry, I wasn't ... I would be delighted if you'd come. What is it? Open it. INVITATION You are Prince Friedrich? Shall we swap? I get the wings, you get the castle. I'll think about it. And if I decide to come, it will only be after sunset. All right. I knew it. Somebody was here. From the prince. An invitation. That's just what I needed. The musicians are to set up in the ballroom. We need more lanterns - everything must glow. Quick, get a move on - this has to be done soon. Friedrich. They've all accepted. Isn't that splendid? Indeed. I ... umm ... I've invited one more girl. That's lovely. What did I tell you? But it's not addressed to me. But to my stepsister. Exactly. - But why Odette? Didn't you say she ran away and is living in a faraway kingdom? That doesn't matter. This invitation ... is your chance. This is how everyone will see you at the ball. I will not do it. This is your entrance ticket to the ball. The prince must think you're Odette. Just this one evening. Just one evening? I promise. Come on, Fritz, we're gonna have a ball! You don't say, Benno. I hope you invited all the ladies I've chosen? One for you. You don't need one. And all the others for me. Your Highness? Toni? I don't want you to make a fool of yourself. Benno. Oh, this looks delicious! Can I have a bite? You have to try it. It would be unfortunate should you not like it. Wait up. Fritz, come on, you wouldn't want to disappoint the ladies, right? Or your precious swan-maiden. I was beginning to think you weren't coming. But I'm here now. I was afraid I'd overstepped. On the contrary - I wish you'd step closer, my prince. Your Majesty. Have we been introduced? Not yet. I am Baron von der Burg. The young lady is my daughter. Your invitation, please. Umm ... I don't have it with me. But Friedrich ... - Your name? Odette. The prince invited me personally. Odette, I see. - So, Odette it is? Yes. Can I go in now? - No. Odette is already inside. - Indeed. This must be a misunderstanding. I am Odette. The Baron of ... Ow! We were informed about you. Your deceitful scheme is doomed to fail, my dear. Just give up already. But I have to attend the ball. - Uh-uh. So, how many? Plenty. Excuse me ... umm ... I don't normally just barge in like that ... Odette? Did Friedrich tell you about me? You are quite late, my dear. I was held up. You are eagerly awaited. This way. Thank you. Good luck. Now would be a good time. For what? Your proposal. Odette, I wish for you to be my wife and to reign as queen beside me. Is the prince not quite well? I am sure he will feel better tomorrow. Excuse me. Stop! Don't move! It was that Odette. - Did you let her in? What? Of course not! You idiot. I don't think anyone noticed. Your Highness. Odette! Surely no one noticed. Odette! Wait up! Odette, I thought she was you. But it was Odile. You should have noticed. Who the hell is Odile? You proposed to the wrong one. I am so sorry, I ... I wanted to propose to you. Well, you really screwed that up. And what a ridiculous idea to want to get married straight away. But I was doing it for you. Is this what true love looks like to you? You truly haven't understood a single thing. I never want to see you again. What happened? Why did you run away so suddenly? I proposed to the wrong one. The wrong one? But she was right in front of you. I thought it was Odette. But it was her. - The swan-maiden, right? Yes ... but no. It was not her. I should have noticed. - Okay, from the start. You made a mistake and proposed to the wrong woman. Well, go to the right one and explain it to her. I tried, but to no avail! - Try again! Yes, don't give up so quickly. If she's the right one, you have to fight for her. Your Majesty. He fell asleep. Yes, he was quite exhausted. Friedrich? Nonsense. All these people ... - It was so overwhelming. Send him to me as soon as he wakes. Hold your haste, young prince. I have some provisions for you. Thank you, Otto. But I'll be back until noon. Love can take time. Now go. Good luck. Your Majesty. Otto, Prince Friedrich needs to regain his strength. Of course, your Majesty. I will prepare chicken broth for him. You want a piece as well? Romeo, enough now. It's for the prince. Faster! We have to be there before sunrise! ENCHANTED WOODS - KEEP OUT DANGER TO LIFE - NO RETURN Did she sound the alarm? Will you stop with that stupid ball already? The castle walls are too thick. Odile! No! We really have to sort out other problems, Daddy! Your stupid plan didn't work. Be patient. You will marry the prince. Yeah? And how does that work? He doesn't want me. Just wait until he has eaten his soup. He shall no longer part from your side. You brought a love potion? I told you you could count on me. Odette, I am so sorry! Odette, please listen to me! But don't tell her Majesty, okay? Oh, the Jack's missing. You were supposed to conjure him up. There he is. What an enchanting little creature you are. More like enchanted, I'd say. Odette! Odette, I have to talk to you! I'd like to see my fiancée. - We're afraid you cannot. And why is that? He's not feeling well. I've got medicine. - We'll give it to him. No, I will do it myself, thank you. Damn it! He will regain his strength. We're working on it, promise! What happened, my dear? The potion. I spilled it. Don't worry about it. We have plenty at our castle. I don't stand a chance. The prince is in love with Odette, not me. Odile. There is no such thing as true love. I don't understand. How does the prince even know Odette? Tell me the truth. She didn't run away, did she? Odette, Odette, Odette! This is not about Odette, this is about us! This is about you! It's our turn now. True love is nothing but an illusion! As future queen, you will have a good life. And together, we will reign over the whole kingdom. That is all that matters. Can we talk? What is there to talk about? I should have noticed it was not you. I am sorry. Truly. And I ... I want to make it up to you. But you cannot. I will be a swan for all eternity. But you're human right now. Are you hungry? I am definitely starving. Your Majesty! Where is he? You will bring him back at once. We don't ... - You know exactly where he is. You leave at once! Fritz! - Fritz! What are you doing here? - Your mother sends us. I am staying. - Because of the swan-maiden? Where is she? Is that Odette? This hot chick is waiting for you at the castle. And you prefer a swan? She's the right one. You are serious, aren't you. If that's not love, then I don't know what is. What should we tell your mother? That you couldn't find me. But that we searched for you the entire day. Come on, let's explore the area. You're still here? I am. And I'm not leaving. - But why? Because of nature, the silence. You are a very bad liar. But an even worse dancer. I can teach you if you want. Relax. Yeah, I ... umm ... It's not so easy right now. - Then close your eyes. It's the mark left by the curse. Why did Rothbart curse you? After my father died, my mother married Rothbart. He was different back then. And when he realised that my mother would always love my father ... his heart turned to stone. When she died, he directed all his anger at me. He laid the curse upon me at her funeral. So that I might feel as lonely and forsaken as he does. This scar reminds me of my mother. And how lonely it feels when you have no one who truly loves you. Your Majesty. We have searched for him everywhere. Everywhere? Yes. But unfortunately, we couldn't find him. Unfortunately. He is nowhere to be found. Stop. And now the truth. The prince is at the lake in the woods. Yes, he refused to come back with us. He fell in love. Truly. I rather suspected as much. You will take me to the prince at once. But first, there is something I must resolve. Your Majesty. I am sorry, but the wedding is off. The prince proposed to my daughter. He has to marry her. - Daddy. The prince is withdrawing his proposal. He cannot do that! It is up to him to decide. He must keep his word. You have to keep your word! You ... have to leave. Now. The throne is ours by right. Might it be the prince is not ill at all? Might he be in the enchanted woods? We won't let them treat us this way. We won't let them treat us this way! I'm myself again. Daddy, I'm myself again! - I must hurry to the lake. Daddy, you can't force love. You should know that best. - Exactly. You won't face my fate. But I don't even want the prince. I want to marry for love. How dare you? After everything I did for you. Well, what did you do for me? You lied to me. And used me. This wasn't about me, it was all about you. And your stupid power! Odile! - You only want the kingdom. Where are you going? I'll walk my own path from now on. Daddy. Odile! I want to fall asleep and wake up ... next to you. I want to cook for you and dance with you. Even if you remain a swan forever. I want to be with you. Odette, I love you. Just as you are. It's time. Will we see each other tonight? I can hardly wait. The sun! The curse. It's been lifted. Come on. Right there. - Fritz! Guys! Mother? This is Odette. I am delighted. - Your Majesty. Please, call me Luise. How dare you trespass in my woods? Sorcerer Rothbart, I should have known. The curse has been lifted, Rothbart. This is not possible. - It is! True love does exist. I don't believe it. I need proof. The sun is shining, but I'm no swan. Isn't that proof enough? One final test. In front of witnesses. Only then I will set you free. I won't allow it! You ... hold no authority here. I reign over these woods. He who truly loves recognises the beloved. Good luck. Friedrich. Don't worry, mother. This one's her. Are you sure? Don't you think it might be this swan? Or maybe this one? Or that one? But they all look the same. No, they don't. This one is Odette. I am absolutely sure. THE END Subtitles: AUDIO2 2025