Once Upon a Witch's Death: The Tale of the One Thousand Tears of Joy (2025)

Review Team

4/5

Once Upon a Witch's Death: The Tale of the One Thousand Tears of Joy is a delightful exploration of youthful ambition and the quest for happiness. The film follows Meg Raspberry, a 17-year-old witch apprentice, who learns that her beloved mentor, Faust, faces a dire fate. The premise of collecting t ... Show more >> Once Upon a Witch's Death: The Tale of the One Thousand Tears of Joy is a delightful exploration of youthful ambition and the quest for happiness. The film follows Meg Raspberry, a 17-year-old witch apprentice, who learns that her beloved mentor, Faust, faces a dire fate. The premise of collecting tears of joy from a thousand people is both whimsical and profound, allowing the narrative to traverse a spectrum of human emotions. The performances are commendable, with the lead, portrayed by a talented young actress, bringing a genuine charm and relatability to Meg. The direction is competent, crafting a visually appealing world that balances magical realism with emotional depth. The film's pacing is steady, although some moments could benefit from a tighter edit to enhance the overall impact. Nevertheless, the heartwarming moments resonate well, making it a worthwhile watch for families and fantasy enthusiasts alike. Show less

Editor Team

3/5

Once Upon a Witch's Death: The Tale of the One Thousand Tears of Joy is a mixed bag that might charm some but leave others wanting more. The storyline has potential, with Meg's quest to gather joyful tears providing a unique twist, but it occasionally feels bogged down by predictable tropes. While t ... Show more >> Once Upon a Witch's Death: The Tale of the One Thousand Tears of Joy is a mixed bag that might charm some but leave others wanting more. The storyline has potential, with Meg's quest to gather joyful tears providing a unique twist, but it occasionally feels bogged down by predictable tropes. While the film is visually enchanting, with bright colours and imaginative settings, the script sometimes lacks the punch needed to elevate emotional stakes. The performances are decent, but they occasionally fall flat in delivering the depth of the characters' struggles. I found myself drawn to the lighter moments, but I wished for more substantial character development. It's a fun film for a casual family night, but if you're looking for something with more heft, you might want to look elsewhere. Show less