The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
Gilliam’s forgotten fairy tale.
Presentation:
Terry Gilliam’s take on the fairy tale genre is as you’d expect - a zany, over the top ride with theatrical sets and characters. The film is wildly imaginative and ranks as one of those beloved childhood films up there with Matilda, The Princess Bride and Willy Wonka that you will cherish in your cinematic memory. But I watched this in 2026 as an adult, and it has rough edges. Many of the visual effects don’t hold up despite the nostalgia factor, though there are still many charming sequences afforded by its cast. Sarah Polley is adorable and plays such an integral role in bringing this band of misfits together.
Conclusion:
As far as cinema fairy tales go, this is one of the more fun adventures that has moments of pure cinema. It has the charm of his other films with makeshift sets and dramatized performances, but I found this catering too much toward children for me. Watching as an adult, I didn’t have the nostalgia factor to lean back on and there were some fantastical sequences that were far too outdated to immerse me in the fantasy. But if you want to show this to your kids, it may offer more imagination than some of the better known alternatives.
Recommendations
Getting lost in David Bowie’s cinematic magic!