The year is 1646. In a land made desolate by war and disease, Krabat, a fourteen-year-old orphan, is struggling to survive. One night, he hears a strange voice in a dream. Following its instructions, he leaves the shack where he has temporarily taken shelter and makes his way to a mysterious mill. There, the miller offers him room and board if he agrees to become an apprentice. Welcoming the relief from cold and hunger, Krabat enthusiastically accepts.
Working alongside the eleven other young men who live at the mill, Krabat begins to suspect that they are withholding a mysterious secret. One evening, upon witnessing some extremely abnormal activity, Krabat's curiosity about the clandestine goings-on peaks. His suspicions are confirmed when he discovers that the miller is actually a sorcerer who is teaching the young men the powers of the “dark arts.” Welcomed into their circle as an initiate, Krabat is fascinated by the magic that he learns and excited by the feelings of belonging he experiences as a member of a secret society. However, when he discovers that the sorcerer has sinister plans that will threaten his best friend and protector, Tonda, Krabat realizes he must battle to free himself from the evildoer's powerful and seemingly unbreakable control.
Adapting Otfried Preußler's award-winning book, director Marco Kreuzpaintner has crafted a dynamic and enthralling film. Accomplished cinematography and art direction use colour, light and shadow to enhance the story's sense of mystery and tension. Assured direction and enchanting storytelling draw viewers into the narrative and keep a tight grip as the conflict escalates. Featuring a talented cast who create memorable and engaging characters, Krabat is an imaginative and timeless tale that will captivate youth and adults alike.
Sprockets Family Zone films are intended for families. This film is appropriate for children ages 12 and up.
Allen Braude
Marco Kreuzpaintner was born in Rosenheim, Germany, and made his first short film, Entering Reality, in 1998. His other works include the short film Der Atemkünstler (00) and the feature films Breaking Loose (03), Summer Storm (04), Trade (07) and Krabat (08).