
FairyTale: A True Story
Seen it?1997 | 99 min | Fantasy, Drama, Mystery, Family
Why it’s a Weeknight Watch
With middling reviews (56% on Rotten Tomatoes) and soft box office, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing, fantasy fans and families. If you loved Big Fish, start here.
- The mood
- Tense, feel-good.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 39 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
In 1917, two children take a photograph, which is soon believed by some to be the first scientific evidence of the existence of fairies. Based on the true story of the Cottingley Fairies.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
56% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.4 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$14 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 47K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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InkheartWeeknight WatchAnother family film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Peter PanSaturday SpecialAnother fantasy film, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Charles Sturridge
- Florence HoathElsie Wright
- Elizabeth EarlFrances Griffiths
- Paul McGannArthur Wright
- Peter O'TooleSir Arthur Conan Doyle
- Harvey KeitelHarry Houdini
- Phoebe NichollsPolly Wright
- Bill NighyEdward Gardner
- Tim McInnernyJohn Ferret, a Reporter
- Joseph MayHoudini's Assistant
- Peter MullanSergeant Farmer