So much average

One of my all time favorites.

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

after so many years, it is not easy to define the source of its seduction. sure, it reminds the flavor of fairy tales and gives answer to an "if" who defines each child. the political context is another explanation. but, maybe, the real good point is the cast. Vladimir Mensik was known for others roles in Ceh films and his presence in this series was the most inspired spice for the story. Jiri Labus gives the best ( and unique) Rumburak ever. Vlastimil Brodsky is the old king who seems descending from the book pages. and Jana Nagyova ... . for young viewers - the beautiful, smart, delicate princess. like the princesses from tales. so, Arabela. or, just a lovely revolution in the Central Europe under Communism.

I think it is a must for any child! I remember it very well, as I was a young man at the time it aired in my country, Romania (I was in my twenties then). Therefore, I was truly able to appreciate the actors' play, the great director, the witty and imaginative writer and the incredibly astute special effects it displayed. I would be extremely happy to have my grandchildren see it on DVD! Am STILL waiting for it! As in Romania foreign films have always aired and were always showed in theaters or TV with subtitles (never dubbed!), I was also able to learn some Czech words watching it! Great movie, great actors! A special mention for the late Mr. Vladimir Mensik, whom I also remember from numerous other Czech children and mainstream movies.

I have nostalgic memories about this series. The best kids TV series of the '80s for communist countries. It was broadcast on Sunday in my country Romania, at 11.00am, and the whole day I was dreaming the episode. It had the power to transport the kids for 30 minutes to a world of magic and hope, in a time of darkness, lack of food and electricity. All the kids were talking the next day at school about the magic adventures they witnessed. It was the 30 minutes drop of heaven. Has been aired several times, because there was nothing against the communist party's doctrina and propaganda in this series. I remember it had a sequel, it was done with the same cast and it worked, kids loved this too. I would like to have this show on DVD for my kids, but I can't find it anywhere. If it has not been restored in digital format probably is already reddish in color like all the TV footage from the '80s.

I am from Czech Republic and this is the fairy-tale of my childhood. Magic rings, coats and all kingdom of fairy-tales were the best for me for a long time. The biggest enemy was Rumburak by Jiri Labus and my the most liked person was not Arabela but it was Xenie by Dada Patrasova. Only good king by Vlastmil Brodsky (that is a pity he died)and his land full of fairy-tales could make a magic afternoon for me. It is wonderful tale with classical magic persons like Snow White, "Popelka", Princes and Princesses. I spend many nice moments watching this and imagining that I am Arabela with the nice pink glass ring on my finger. I remember it very often. The true is that I just love The lord of the rings and I probably won´t watch this serial anymore, but I am sure I loved it, when I was a child. And that is important.