Considering that this film was made in Nazi Germany during the middle of WWII, I expected the film to be a dogmatic piece of propaganda. Surprisingly, despite its pedigree, it was a wonderful piece of escapist fantasy and seemed to have nothing to do with the Nazi regime. In fact, a writer whose works were burned by the Nazis is the man responsible for this screenplay (though, of course, under a pseudonym). So my advice is try to forget when it was made and just sit back and enjoy.
Baron Munchausen was, despite the weirdness of the film, was a real adventurer and war hero. In real life, he tended to greatly exaggerate his exploits and this was the basis for later stories of his life.
In this film, the movie starts in the present day (1943), but it was brilliant how the writer and director made it look like it was in the 17th or 18th century. This was very clever. Then, when a party guest begs the host to tell them about the exploits of his ancestor (Munchausen), the story of Munchausen's adventures begins. This is a wonderful way to both introduce and conclude the film and makes this aspect of the film better than the 1988 version of Baron Munchausen. Now this isn't to say the 1943 version is superior overall--it certainly isn't. In fact, BOTH are extraordinary films and I recommend you see both. However, if you can only see one, try the 1988 version by Terry Gilliam first, as the story itself is a little more action-packed and the special effects are truly amazing even today, whereas the 1943 film at times looks a bit "cheesy"--mostly because special effects of the day just weren't up to the story in a few places (since it was SO weird and over-the-top).
PS--A note to parents--there is some nudity in the film, which is surprising considering this seems to be a family-oriented film. While not super-graphic, you do see a lot of topless harem girls during one scene. It's really a shame, as it doesn't exactly fit in with the rest of the film, though compared to some newer films the nude scene is rather tame. However, you should consider this when you think about having your kids watch the film.
Baron Munchausen was, despite the weirdness of the film, was a real adventurer and war hero. In real life, he tended to greatly exaggerate his exploits and this was the basis for later stories of his life.
In this film, the movie starts in the present day (1943), but it was brilliant how the writer and director made it look like it was in the 17th or 18th century. This was very clever. Then, when a party guest begs the host to tell them about the exploits of his ancestor (Munchausen), the story of Munchausen's adventures begins. This is a wonderful way to both introduce and conclude the film and makes this aspect of the film better than the 1988 version of Baron Munchausen. Now this isn't to say the 1943 version is superior overall--it certainly isn't. In fact, BOTH are extraordinary films and I recommend you see both. However, if you can only see one, try the 1988 version by Terry Gilliam first, as the story itself is a little more action-packed and the special effects are truly amazing even today, whereas the 1943 film at times looks a bit "cheesy"--mostly because special effects of the day just weren't up to the story in a few places (since it was SO weird and over-the-top).
PS--A note to parents--there is some nudity in the film, which is surprising considering this seems to be a family-oriented film. While not super-graphic, you do see a lot of topless harem girls during one scene. It's really a shame, as it doesn't exactly fit in with the rest of the film, though compared to some newer films the nude scene is rather tame. However, you should consider this when you think about having your kids watch the film.