Written by John Edward Betancourt Still from ‘Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter’ Courtesy of Viaplay.
There was a time when fantasy stories ruled the day. For everywhere you turned there were stories about the fantastical. The kind that featured dragons, wizards and magics that ignited something special within all of us. For they reminded us of simpler times and days when we believed that the fantastical could be real. But alas, despite the wonder these stories provided, they faded from the marketplace in just about every way imaginable. Replaced instead by young adult stories about dystopia on the bookshelves and big movies about superheroes and television shifted to take full advantage of the chance to tell stories about the human condition like never before.
But ironically enough, television’s push to offer us more and give us all the stories we can handle, has allowed for such stories to start to return to the marketplace. Since we are indeed seeing shows that are looking into magic and the fantastical again. To remind us of the wonder of letting our imagination loose and pondering upon the impossible, and it just so happens, that Viaplay is now home to a supremely special show in that vein for certain. For recently, Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter debuted on the streamer, and this series, one based off of Astrid Lindgren’s hit books… not only does the book justice but truly immerses us in a world of the fantastical in a manner that few stories in this genre have ever managed to accomplish. Thanks to its unique and refreshing plot. For this is a story that introduces us to a young girl named Ronja. Who lives in a world where incredible things roam about. For in the forest just beyond her home, are stunning creatures that defy imagination and defy what we know of the world. Which truly does capture, the wonder of this genre. Since we are privy to beings that are unlike anything else we’ve ever seen on television and harbor personalities and quirks that make them lively and interesting and dangerous and enchanting, all at once. And that… is what brings the majesty of this genre back to life and they are integral to the story and wow us every time they’re on-screen courtesy of magnificent special effects that work. But alas, the wonder of being around such beings and such an incredible forest has drifted us away from how exactly we find ourselves lost within the story. Well as it turns out, the show’s humanity it what makes it so great. For this is a story where magic and the fantastical are part of everyday life. A life that harbors so much of what we know and love about our own adventures. Since this is a story about family, what it means to be born into circumstance, and what it means to deal with the foolish and close-minded nature of family. Not to mention in many ways, this is a coming of age story, one that showcases the wonder we all experience when we discover the world beyond our front lawn, and that in many ways, allows for the magic in this tale to serve as an allegory for the wonder and the terror of growing up, of the incredible things we discover when we open our eyes and see the world around us. All of which makes, for a magnificent story. One that is genuinely human and relatable in so many ways, and filled with beauty, and action and adventure and a tenderness that you just don’t find in fantasy stories. But that’s why this one is of note, and why it is one you must see if fantasy stories have captivated you in the past. For this blends the majesty of what we love about the genre, with the majesty of modern storytelling to give us a stunningly beautiful story. One that captivates and engages and leaves us eager for more, all courtesy of a tale that breaks new ground for the genre, and one that we’ve been light upon when it comes to the details. Simply because spoiling anything here would be cruel and because, you can enjoy the journey right now on Viaplay, and we hope you give it a look. Because this story is a true gift and a magnificent throwback to when the fantastical ruled the day. Watch ‘Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter’
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