Secret Magic Control Agency

Secret Magic Control Agency is an English-language Russian film about Hansel and Gretel, the siblings from the classic 1812 fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. The film released on March 18, 2021 in Russia by Sony Pictures Productions and Releasing. Netflix acquired global rights to the film and was released on March 25, 2021.

Summary[]

"Hansel and Gretel of fairy tale fame — now acting as secret agents — must use magic, clever thinking and teamwork on a mission to find a missing king."

—Official Netflix synopsis

Plot[]

In the kingdom, the King rules well-liked by everyone, but a few days before his birthday at the proof of the menu, the food magically comes to life and kidnaps the ruler. The spaghetti monster outsmarted the guards at the royal dining table. The King's daily meal turns into a case of kidnapping as the monster grabs the King's table and levitates it outside the castle. The king calls for the guards, but the magic has done its work.

So the Secret Magic Control Agency is immediately activated, a body dedicated to the control and stability of magic to ensure that it is used only for a good and honest way. The agency's lead spy is Gretel, who, along with other agents, faithfully monitor any illegal black magic. The Secret Magic Control Agency has control protocols ready to be activated at any moment. Every wand and potion is registered with the department, and if any black magician tries to outwit the Agency, Gretel will always be there to save and restore balance to society.

The government was preparing for the King's birthday in two days. Royal hijacking by a bowl of spaghetti will leave the country in turmoil if the agency can't find the King. Agent Stepmother prepares for the high profile mission. As the leader of the spy agency she knows only the best leaders in covert intelligence must be assigned to this mission.

The solitary Agent Gretel is appointed as the head of the operation to find the King, but she cannot find any leads on her own. Her supervisor Agent Stepmother thus decides to entrust her with an extra agency partner to help her in the enterprise, someone who can identify with the modus operandi of the kidnappers: the swindler brother Hansel, who uses false magic and tricks to make fun of people and get rich. The duo was chosen to avoid the suspicion of mass mobilization of the spy agency.

Making the best of a bad situation, the two will collaborate traveling throughout the kingdom and meeting friends and enemies of various kinds (food that comes to life, mermaids, Baba Yaga, gingerbread guards, etc ...). Their breadcrumb trail of clues lead them all the up to the secret flying Gingerbread House ruled by the witch Ilvira. The agent sees their King who vanished into thin air. He is alive and held hostage at the center of the Gingerbread House. The confectionery realm is run by sabotage cupcakes and cookies. The children realize the kidnapping was engineered by Ilvira, the King's former personal cook who was banished from the kingdom for using dark magic. Her intent was to make the sovereign and the whole kingdom fall in love with magic to become queen and thus have the magical power imbued in the noble title itself.

A battle for the fate of the government is unleashed at the Gingerbread House. Gretel activates S.M.C.A electrolaser. The advanced weapon has scalar frozen energy that is like a kryptonite to the advancing gingerbread soldiers. This adventure will not only bring order to the kingdom again but will make Hansel and Gretel realize that their brotherly love was only lost due to a misunderstanding. Now they are ready for a new mission. Agent Stepmother gestures towards Gretel as she celebrates her trophy for "Best Agent" at the Secret Magic Control Agency headquarters. Gretel notices her and sees a notepad. Agent Stepmother states they have spotted Little Red Riding Hood at the forest. The agency appoints renowned authors Brothers Grimm to write a cover story about two siblings who challenge a culinary pastry Witch without mentioning the kidnapping of a King, whatsoever.

Cast and Characters[]

Nicholas Corda as Hansel, brother of Gretel, a famous fraudster who pretends to be a wizard and arranges colorful shows for everyone
- Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld as little Hansel, magically transformed at the Potion Room
Sylvana Joyce as Gretel, sister of Hansel, personality is cold; operational agent of the Secret Magic Control Agency, charismatic leader at the agency who is strong-willed, knowledgeable but at the same time ambitious, a civil employee who rose to acclaimed levels through education from a government scholarship
- Courtney Shaw as little Gretel, magically transformed at the Potion Room who seeks advice at the Forest to reverse the potion effects
Alyson Rosenfeld as Mermaid Queen
Erica Schroeder as Ilvira, the witch of the Gingerbread House, whose magical kitchen of cookies and cupcakes poses a threat to the kingdom, former chef of the King banished from the state kitchen; seeks exile at the Gingerbread House
Marc Thompson as King/Circus Worker - ingenuous, naive King, sizable for sufficient imperiousness, takes particular liking to fine food and enjoys holidays
Georgette Timoney as Agent Stepmother, the head of the Secret Magic Control Agency- regional, strict and reasonable
Johanna Elmina Moise as Agent Stepdaughter, an employee of the Secret Magic Control Agency - socially popular, a little excitable, considers herself a genius
Mike Pollock as Prime Minister
Mary O'Brady as Baba Yaga, a witch rumored to eat children
Sefi Carmel as Cook Rosario
Sara Rahman as Aelita,
Lauren Delgenio as Girl with baby
Tyler Bunch as cupcakes/cookies, dog

Concept[]

The German folklorists Brothers Grimm's collection of fairy tales compiled in Grimm's Fairy Tales (1812) has influenced world culture. For over two centuries, Hansel and Gretel has been adapted into feature films in many countries such as South Korea, Japan, Germany, and the United States.^[1]

Scriptwriting[]

While the original fairy tale is historically known for the different horror films adaptations, the writers took a different route and based an adaptation of the fairy tale within the genres of comedy and film family. The adaptation was created in a way to be in the template used by Brothers Grimm from their fairy tales that had both horror and comedy.^[2]

For years the script was in development. The scriptwriters stated adapting the classic European fairy tale was complicated, since it had only two settings, a gingerbread house and a dense forest. However the opportunity was one of the script writing team's creative challenges.^[3] More than 57 script variants were written. One scenario involved a father and his children living in a forest. One day, he is kidnapped by a witch, and the children go in search of him. They fall into a trap, and they have to serve an evil sorceress. At the same time, the children develop a plan to save themselves and save their father. The authors then explored the concept of the super-agent school where the troublemakers Hansel and Gretel enroll in. By the final script, the idea of a spy movie with super-agents was finalized.^[4] One of the ways the writers brainstormed ideas was to go on real missions so they could be "in the shoes" of the characters.^[5]

The scriptwriters focused on character development.^[2] In the final version of the script, the main characters turn into children. The concept allowed them to completely transform some of the darker undertones in the Brothers Grimm fairy tale into a suitable scenario. The film emphasized the detective component, revolving the story around the story's main setting, the Secret Magic Control Agency. The scriptwriters reviewed films from the James Bond series, Kingsman, as well as Soviet Union 1968 spy film The Diamond Arm.^[4]

The writers intend to keep the main characters Hansel, Gretel, and Gingerbread House sorceress intact while expanding the magic forest and Gingerbread House settings. They noted the scale at which they developed the fairy tale universe is intended to keep the knowledgeable viewers of the fairy tale engaged.^[6]

Themes[]

Bureaucracy and the Chef[]

Ilvira[]

The plot conflict revolves around the villain Ilvira. The writers explored Ilvira's cooking concept of love and sweets with cookies, cupcakes, and candy. The writers of the screenplay knew of a 1917 thesis from the Soviet Union describing a scenario where the chef becomes the likely candidate to the highest position of power in politics. Through the prism of comedy and drama, the authors explained the archaic thesis in a fun script of bureaucratic intrigue and its associated culinary power struggles. The villain Ilvira became the cook of the thesis who was developed and refined to become a caricature of the American actress of the sixties, Marilyn Monroe.[1] Ilvira is characterized as a former chef for the Royal Family who was banished for black magic. However she will avenge the loss of employment by executing the conspiracy to make everyone love magic.

However according to reviews the characterization of the antagonists was also meant to show their innocent nature especially that of Ilvira. The antagonist plot lines from the Ilvira to her minions are described as non-Manichean emphasizing their inherent positive characterizations.[2] The character Ilvira defies the conventional order of good vs evil: "And indeed in unison with the creators' idea, you are imbued with sympathy for all the heroes, even for the most evil sorceress Ilvira. After all, this charismatic charming psychopath with the features of Marilyn Monroe is absolutely charming. Yes, perhaps, if Marilyn were a cook, she would look just like that."[3]

The Juxtaposition of Gretel's Education with Hansel's Deceptive Arts[]

Themes addressed in the film include family relationships, their importance and especially the family bond between siblings, even if they are sometimes incompatible with each other, as in the case of brother and sister Hansel and Gretel. The film answers the question, "Which is more important - family or principles?"^[4]^[7] In the film, the conflict develops as a family split caused by the school's admission system. The siblings' side story reveals that Gretel becomes a valiant student at the Secret Magic Control Agency studying on a government scholarship. On the contrary, Hansel makes ends meet with deception.

The film is framed as a mission, revealing the strengths and weaknesses of both main characters, Hansel and Gretel. The film combines incompatible elements of Gretel's bureaucratic secret intelligence skills acquired at the ministry of magic with Hansel's skills in illusion and deception to find the right balance in their characterizations. New themes are developed thereafter including reconciliation and ultimately the fulfillment of family.^[8]

Quotes[]

Agent Stepmother - "Agent Gretel is a relentless professional. Her dream is to become the best agent, she puts her responsibilities above her family."^[8]
Hansel - "You should have listened to me and asked for help. But you did not. You have become proud ."
Gretel - "Self-sufficient, I am the only person in history who has obtained the royal scholarship without parental help. I am close to being the best agent by my own effort."
Gretel - "Saving the kingdom together, just like we dreamed when we were kids."^[9]

Animation[]

Animation for the film was created by Wizart Animation. The animators were considerably influenced by works from prominent artists. The gingerbread house will be based on the works of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. The animators were influenced by director Tim Burton's ability to transform horror elements to charming characters featured in such films as the stop-motion animated film Corpse Bride.^[2] The film is based on a new animation special effects system, the animation studio itself engineered. The system is based on the studio's own pipeline. The graphics technology will avail of new special effects and facial and skeleton setup which they intend to share with other independent studios in the future.^[6]

Music[]

The score for Secret Magic Control Agency is composed by Gabriel Hays. The composer noted writing music for the genres of spy and fantasy required more thought because the music would contrast with each other. Additionally this area of music is generally unexplored. Using the "fun, whimsy, and heart" classical characters Hansel and Gretel as a template, the music was able to meld the fantasy with the spy genre.^[10] Composer Gabriel Hays noted the creative component of the score started with initial excerpts from piano recordings.^[11] Thereafter three main cues for the film were created including the "Secret Magic Control Agency" that became the ideal representation of the concept of the fusion of spy and fantasy elements. The other main cues were "Back at the SMCA" and "Here's Looking at You Not Kid" in which the latter cue is an evocative symphony describing the characters Hansel and Gretel transforming back to their original form.^[12]

Song - "Get Down With It" Performed by Sonia Harley

Theatrical and streaming[]

The release of the fairy tale animation movie Secret Magic Control Agency was confirmed by the press service of Sony Pictures on 27 January 2021. The press emphasized the audience will be able to comprehend a new look to the classic fairy tale of Brothers Grimm. The fantasy spy film will involve espionage conceptualized by the Department of Magical Security. The film will explain the effects of fraud and the concept of gentleman thief conceptualized by the character Hansel. The character Gretel is described as the leading spy for the Secret Magic Control Agency.^[13]

Secret Magic Control Agency released in Russia through Sony Pictures Productions and Releasing on 18 March 2021.^[14] Netflix acquired global rights to the film. The Netflix team promoted and localized the film for international distribution. On 25 March 2021, the movie released under the Netflix Original brand.^[15]

Reception[]

Critical response[]

GlitterBeam Radio from UK:

"What really makes this movie, however, is the imagination. Over such a long development period ideas managed to grow and flourish, turning a simple adaptation of the initial Brothers Grimm fairytale into a deep-dive into cleverly put together magical worlds."^[16]

Studio Jake Media:

"Animation-wise, it was competent. There was nothing stellar or amazing in it, but I thought the designs and the visuals looked smooth. Since Wizart Animation is European-based, I did notice some issues with the dubbing, but for the most part, they did match up. I also felt the voice actors did a good job."^[17]

International response[]

Indonesia - 4savvy:

"A family story that is packaged into light entertainment. Good lessons about sibling relationships are conveyed in a strong and dominant manner. It is full of positive moral role models that are suitable for Teens, but also suitable for Youth and Adults."^[18]

India - DMTalkies, Mumbai/Venkatarangan, Chennai:

"DMTalkies - "The movie is beautifully created with colorful scenes, mermaids and witches, and adorable cupcake minions. The movie can be enjoyed by all age groups and is a perfect treat if you want to spend time with your family. It has enchanted scenery and characters like in a fairy tale with action sequences of a crime-thriller movie."^[19]

Venkatarangan - rating: Raw Mango out of Ripe Mango ^[20]

Japan - Kikuhi-movie

"As you complete the King's rescue mission, the relationship gradually recovers. The combination of the elite Gretel and the magician, Hansel, who has a lot of blunders but is also smart, is very interesting."^[21]

Netherlands - Filmtotaal

"Because even borrowing fairy tales is not an original idea, Secret Magic Control Agency remains a poor substitute for Shrek."^[22]

Streaming Milestones[]

On 27 March 2021, the film became the second most popular film in Netflix.^[23] According to a IndieWire report, by 29 March 2021 the film in Netflix went maintained its rankings at second place.^[24] Secret Magic Control Agency broke its own record from March in Netflix during the opening month of April. The film rose to first place in streaming rankings for two days subsequently.^[25]^[26]^[27] The film has the potential to become one of the Top 25 most popular movies in Netflix in 2021.^[28]

Nielsen ratings puts Secret Magic Control Agency at second place in the top ten most watched film for the week of March 29-April 4 based on aggregation of statistics from all VOD platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, Disney+.^[29]

Trivia[]

Cultural references[]

Fantasy elements became cosmopolitan as Alexander Pushkin's fairy tales combined with western European fantasy.^[30] According to a report by Sensacine (Spanish) the film has a host of references to culture and folktales. The report noted some reference are loosely based and can be compared to references from past films.^[31]

Secret Magic Control Agency
- Hogwarts
Magic R&D Division
- Thor's Hammer
- Magic Lamp
- Flower/Teapot from Beauty and the Beast
- The Lord of the Rings (2001) - The One Ring
- Pandora's Box - reverse engineered to study practical applications of magic
- Seven-league boots
Shrek 2 (2004) explosion scene at Potion Room...transforms Hansel and Gretel into -
- The Little Mermaid characters
Howl's Moving Castle (2004) from Studio Ghibli / Baba Yaga's Hut standing on chicken legs
Men in Black (1997) neutralizer
Cupcakes / Minions
Land of the Mermaids -
- Hansel turning into a fish - Sharktale (2004)
- Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999) - Naboo Abyss
Ilvira's Minions
- Cupcakes/Minions
- Gingerbread Emoji / Kolobok
Brothers Grimm