AllMovie

A triumph of animation for both children and adults, this engaging story was adapted from the fairy tale of The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep by Hans Christian Andersen. Director Paul Grimault worked with the late and gifted Jacques Prevert to create the wit, humor, and political nuances that enliven the story each step of the way. The tale is set in the kingdom of Takicardie ("runaway heartbeat") where a beguiling young shepherdess has fallen in love with a charming chimney sweep, and he reciprocates her feelings honorably and completely. Enter the king who wants the shepherdess for himself. A mockingbird, well aware of the situation, helps the lovers out -- until he and the chimney sweep are captured and thrown into the lion's den. Now the two of them have a real challenge on their hands if they want to save the shepherdess and defeat the king.