Troll Bridge (2019) User Reviews

Never underestimate an old Barbarian!

[rbntrpp · 9/10 · 18 October 2020]

Full disclosure, I am a small backer of this effort and a huge Terry Pratchett fan. It is a clearly a labour of love and for the most part works. Moving even a short story to screen is not for the faint of heart, when you are dealing with Sir Terry's works, doubly so. So much of the joy of his books is in subtle observations and turns of phrase, almost impossible to translate to film. The makers of this possess the most important ingredient, they "get" Sir Terry. The characters were true to the source material, Cohen was exactly as I would have imagined and brilliantly played. The complete and utter lack of respect for the troll by his wife is a universal theme. The main characters both convey the attitude of "why do I keep getting out bed every morning when nobody seems to care anymore" perfectly. Yet they do, and at the end the "three names" gives Cohen a purpose again and left me thinking, I want to see that. Three people are about to have a very bad day.

There are some negatives, but in the context of budget they are not, the CGI is not a Hollywood big budget, but the budget wasn't Hollywood. If you had handed these guys the tools and team available to Peter Jackson would it have looked even better? Yes, but would the story have been better-no.

When it ended, I was disappointed, but only in that I wanted more. I sincerely hope this allows the team to access more funding and more projects.

With a magic sword.

[wbdeejay · 9/10 · 19 October 2020]

An Adventurous ageing Warrior considers how the world has changed and how he might survive. His heart has softened but his cunning remains sharp as ever. A stunning adaptation of Terry Pratchett's short story.

For Terry Pratchett Discworld fans only. Good animation and dialogue, but minimal plot and action.

[rhanbury · 7/10 · 1 May 2021]

The animation is excellent, and the characters are very true to the Terry Pratchett style. The song over the closing credits that explains what happened next is a clever touch. As a Discworld fan, it was good to see a small part of it brought to life. The problem is that not enough happens for a film. Basically, Cohen has a long conversation with his horse, then a long conversation with a troll, and then another conversation with his horse. The End. They are good conversations, ideally suited to a short story, but not really suited to a film.

High Expectations

[nicolebhicks · 10/10 · 27 February 2020]

I'm a massive Terry Pratchett fan, and adaptations of his work have been pretty hit or miss. Given that this was crowd-funded 'fanart' I expected some corners to be cut for expense and expediency.

Not So.

This is a labor of love, and the love shines out of every scene.

Cohen leaps off the page into the gorgeous scenery and cinematography. His horse, as in the short-story, is the perfect companion the the ancient barbarian/hero.

Now, the Trolls, who live under the titular bridge. The voices and acting are enchanting. The looks, while not what I picture while reading the trolls of Discworld, are reminiscent of the 1986 David Bowie film 'Labyrinth' creatures. Others have said they're reminded of video game characters or cartoons. I say, Yes? So? It all works! I especially liked the changing eyes. Watch for them.

I will watch this many times!

Pratchett's humor and humanity are showcased beautifully here. Job well done!

17 years in the making = 1 Epic Short Film

[rachelrowlands-82201 · 10/10 · 27 December 2019]

What can I say ? Troll Bridge is based on the short story of the same name by Terry Pratchett. It was made via a crowd funded, and crowd source talent pool who were scattered all over the world. The sweeping scenery is better than you'll see in a modern day blockbuster and the story is a solid action comedy. Don Bridges is the master here as Cohen the Barbarian and often the scene is stolen by that dammed talking horse - joking aside, this short film is worth every second you spend watching it. So much so you'll watch it again and again.

Troll bridge!

[janekcooper · 10/10 · 18 October 2020]

This was a labour of love and it shows. Even the horse gave it's best, the mouth movements were not cgi. A faithful adaptation of the short story.

Fantastic film!

[ktpuffett · 10/10 · 18 October 2020]

What a fantastic version of Terry Pratchett's Troll bridge. True to the story, with brilliant characters each bringing the story to life as it was meant to be. A credit to all the dedicated time (years) given by the director, cast, fans and crew. A must see for any pterry fan! #gnu #speakhisname

Leading by example

[mmatzka · 20 October 2020]

This is what a Discworld adaptation should be like. Too bad The Watch doesn't have a production team with these standards.

Really rather good.

[allisonrebekahglynn · 10/10 · 18 October 2020]

Watched it with a mixed group of STP fans and knowlessmen of ages from 20's to late 50's .All professed enjoyment. I believe STP fans would recognise it as his work and not find it offensive. I think it is suitable for all ages and would be happy to show it to my grandchildren, if I had any.

Excellent Adaptation

[jonreid-25639 · 10/10 · 19 October 2020]

Snowgum have created probably the best adaptation of a Discworld story there has been (so far). Great interpretation of the characters and the feel of Discworld. It goes to show, the best people to adapt from paper to screen are always those that are already genuine fans of the original material - and it truly shines here. I've rewatch Troll Bridge many times, it's brilliant!

Slipped Discworld.

[BA_Harrison · 3/10 · 25 August 2019]

Director Daniel Knight explained that his short movie Troll Bridge, based on a Terry Pratchett novel, spent 7 years in post-production. I would have guessed 7 months at a push. The CGI used to bring the titular creature (and his family) to life is wholly unconvincing, more redolent of a computer game than a film.

Now I might have been more forgiving had the script and direction been something truly astounding, but sadly they're about on a par with the creature effects: Pratchett's sardonic humour, which takes wry swipes at the state of the world we live in, doesn't translate well to the screen, and Knight allows his film to drag, even at just 25 minutes.

To be fair, much of the cinematography is stunning, with the massive stone bridge under which the troll family resides being particularly impressive, and Bridges looks the part, but then the film goes and makes a fundamental cock-up with the continuity: Cohen's bottom row of teeth alternates between jagged diamond dentures and well-maintained pearly-whites. It had me grinding my own molars in frustration!

Absolutely amazing

[fretbenderguitarrepairs · 10/10 · 18 October 2020]

The casting and graphics of the characters were spot on and the story line true to the book

Simply a masterpiece

[dorincarnadine · 10/10 · 18 January 2021]

This.Is.Amazing. After the shameful The Watch (I don't know words abusive enough to describe this Abomination) I was pretty skeptical, but Troll Bridge turns out to be one of the best picture of Discworld. The story, the atmosphere, the characters perfectly captured. It's all what fans of Terry Pratchett's work could dream of. I really hope the Snowgums Films will make another movie like this one.

I think that sir Terry would have been proud

[stevenharker · 10/10 · 25 January 2021]

Saw this at the weekend and, as a long time Pratchett fan i was extremely impressed. There have been quite a few Pratchett adaptations, some with his blessing and some clearly without . Catching the spirit of the Discworld books does not automatically follow but it does here.

• "What is it that a man may call the greatest things in life?"
• "Hot water, good dentishtry and shoft lavatory paper."

to which we can add "Troll Bridge".

Captures the heart of Discworld

[blindio-76688 · 10/10 · 18 October 2020]

A brilliant adaptation of one of Terry Pratchett's short stories, this film gives us the warmth and humor that was so prevalent throughout his work. Pratchett brought an incredible depth and wit to his writing, and SnowGum Films has beautifully visualized the feeling and intelligence That one would expect. It is both visually stunning and emotionally impactful, without trying to force the message. It's just really good fun that, like Pratchett's work, gets more insightful and meaningful upon repeated watching.

Awesome project

[lidiamartinezprado · 31 October 2019]

This was a project made by a lot of people, huge amount of supporters and most of it done online. I've been following it since the beginning and the quality of the images is AMAZING.

Don Bridges feels incredibly real, and well suited for it. The spectatular views, the horse.

I love all of it. But I have something to say... just one thing that made me bring down the rating a little bit. The animation is not convincing for the troll family. As other users say, the animation level is lower than the production of the movie, it looks like cartoony animation. I think it should have been more realistic. I thought it from the beginning. Let me explain: These creatures are made of rock, so their mouth should not stretch and squash the same way a 3d cartoony character would. It makes them look like videogame / bad rigged characters.

That's a pity, because the tone and look of it all goes down the same moment you see the troll climbing up the bridge. No weight at all, fixed movement curves... it destroyed the sequence, and it looked like an animatic insert on a videogame kind of thing. I'm really confused why so many great movies, products, videogames, fail to hire / find skilled animators that allow characters to look realistic, there are too many of them in the world looking for oportunities. I have no explanation for that, and it is a pity.

But the value of it all is worth it, and I congratulate the whole team for the great job they have done.

Brilliant.

[DR73 · 10/10 · 9 November 2021]

Pay attention BBC America, this is how Pratchett's work should be filmed.

David Knight, thank you for this. So far, you are only one proven worthy of Discworld.

lovely

[Kirpianuscus · 6 July 2022]

I do not know the Discworld universe. But this lovely short adaptation is just enough for inspire a very special state, mixture of nostalgia, spoon of good humor, useful trip across myths and good state of heart and soul for entire life. Cohen the Barbarian, his talkative ( and, obvious, wise ) horse , a very, very poor troll and his bridge and his family and his brothers in law.

The nostalgia as large veil around you. And the oldness as source of different versions of generosity.