The Magic Flute

This 2022 film offers a unique reimagining of a famous opera…

Seventeen-year-old Tim Walker travels from London to the Austrian Alps to attend the prestigious Mozart International School, a legendary boarding school for aspiring singers. Arriving late after caring for his dying father, Tim struggles with a number of new challenges, from adjusting to a strict headmaster and doubting the authenticity of his singing voice, to dealing with bullies and discovering the pressures of first love.

When Tim uncovers a mysterious passageway hidden in the school’s library, he’s transported into the fantastical world of Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute,” where he takes on the role of Prince Tamino. In this magical realm ruled by the powerful Queen of the Night, Tim must rescue Princess Pamina and save the land from eternal darkness, all while trying to keep sane in his home world as he tries to earn a prominent role in the school’s upcoming recital.

The Magic Flute is a musical fantasy that serves as an abridged but accessible introduction to Mozart’s beloved opera, featuring some of the opera’s most famous arias. Like the 18th-century opera itself, the film is sometimes strange and bizarre in its storytelling, but the whimsical fantasy adventure and beautiful music still create an enchanting experience. While the film touches on themes of courage, perseverance, and finding one’s authentic voice, it admittedly focuses more on spectacle and music than deep character development.

The film is not officially rated, but would likely sit on the older edge of PG for some scary fantasy imagery and thematic material.

Runtime: 2 hours, 5 minutes
Rated PG
IMDb Parents Guide
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