My brother told me about this movie growing up. He said he couldn't remember if he dreamt it or it was a real movie. I remember thinking at the time "there's no wizard of oz 2!" Of course the reality is it exists in a grey area between a sequel and more faithful adaptation of the books. I am sure they were perfectly fine to leave it ambiguous to the audience.
Anyway, I did finally see this either in my late teens or early 20s and I've owned a copy ever since. Faruza is great in it! And it has the 80s creepy weirdness movies from the period had : Neverending story, labyrinth, and especially the czech alice in wonderland film that borders on horror.
I honestly think this movie also leans pretty close to horror themes at times, at least by today's standards. It still feels like a children's film but it has some...heavy moments. Particulary Queen Mambi, which I won't spoil, but...geez. def some nightmare fuel for kids.
(And the stuff in the hospital at the start of the film. I dont think kids would fully grasp what is happening, but quite bleak stuff.)
Sadly, this film does seem forgotten outside of a cult following. I never see it mentioned along side those other 80s films, and while its not perfect, maybe even a little too weird for its own good, its def got a special place in my heart!
Hospital scene if anyone is curious:
https://youtu.be/6EXoqJKE6Eg?si=Vz6DJXLDOLugqxUV
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Sadly, all downhill for her after that. IMO she didn't age well.
