The story follows Ronja, a young girl whose father is the chief of a tribe of bandits. They live in a huge castle in the forest with the bandits. In this story, Ronja encounters mystical creatures as she explores and experiences life in the forest. Somewhere along the lines, she makes friends with another young child much like herself.
Ronja realizes the complicated nature of her father’s profession when she befriends Birk, the child of a rival tribe. She struggles to balance this friendship with her family relationship but comes to understand; differences can be overcome with the help of love and understanding. She struggles with her with the choices she makes, like most of us do at some level.
Ronja, an energetic and spirited girl, is beloved by everyone. Driven by her thirst for adventure, she comes face-to-face with fascinating creatures who inhabit the forest and finds a most unlikely friend – the son of her father’s rival. The story line is BRILLIANT, full of every emotion from love, courage, and excitement to desperation, fear, and deep disappointment. Ronja will your heart and so will the amazing scenery and story line!
There are bits of mysticism/magic in a world mostly grounded in realism. They develop the characters well, some more slowly, others more quickly, and they do a wonderful job of continually evolving the character of the most malleable and dynamic members of the robber clans- the children, Ronja and Bierk. Really an excellent watch for any age, all of the heartwarming feelings and magic we’ve come to expect from Studio Ghibli.
Their emotions are nearly always over the top and the adults seem more juvenile than the children. Maybe that was a point it was trying to make, but the adult behavior was not believable. What I think it shows real emotions, there are many of us who have to make the right choices in life and she shows that it can be done, without hurting anyone.