Tale of Tales

Tale of Tales

Year: 2016

Runtime: 133 min

Language: English

Director: Matteo Garrone

HistoryFantasyHorrorRomance

A collection of three interwoven fantasy stories unfolds in a world of majestic castles and powerful rulers. One king’s indulgence leads him down a path of excess, while another becomes captivated by a mysterious being. A queen’s desperate longing for a child pushes her to make a perilous bargain. Featuring fantastical creatures and drawing inspiration from the timeless stories of Giambattista Basile, this film blends romance, horror, and fantasy into a mesmerizing and imaginative experience.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Tale of Tales (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Tale of Tales (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events take place in a fantastical realm that reflects a timeless medieval period. The themes of royal intrigues, magic, and supernatural elements are typical of fairy tales. This era is characterized by strict social hierarchies and the dark desires of its rulers.

Location

Longtrellis, Strongcliff, Highhills

The story unfolds in the enchanting kingdoms of Longtrellis, Strongcliff, and Highhills. Longtrellis is marked by its royal court and the Queen's desperate attempts for motherhood, while Strongcliff is known for its lustful King and dark secrets. Highhills features a bizarre fascination with a peculiar flea, setting the stage for a tale of beauty, brutality, and transformation.

🏰 Kingdom 🌳 Forest

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:46

Main Characters – Tale of Tales (2016)

Meet the key characters of Tale of Tales (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Elias

Elias is the innocent son of a desperate Queen, born from the heart of a sea dragon. His bond with Jonah defines his character, showcasing loyalty and courage. He embarks on a journey to find his friend, showcasing determination in the face of danger.

👶 Innocence 🐉 Friendship

Jonah

Jonah is Elias's twin and inseparable friend, whose life becomes entangled in the Queen's dark plans. His struggle for survival highlights themes of friendship and loyalty, as he navigates betrayal and danger. Jonah’s bravery surfaces as he faces brutal challenges to stay alive.

🗡️ Survival ⚔️ Courage

Dora

Dora is one of the elderly sisters whose desire for beauty leads to tragic consequences. Her pact with the witch transforms her into a beautiful maiden, but her morally questionable decisions set off a chain of events that ruin her sister's life. Dora embodies the complexities of vanity and sacrifice.

👵 Transformation ✨ Beauty

Violet

Violet, the daughter of the King of Highhills, is a victim of her father's misguided choices. Her forced marriage to an ogre reveals her resilience and strength, as she ultimately takes matters into her own hands. Violet's narrative highlights themes of autonomy and defiance against oppression.

👸 Autonomy 🗡️ Defiance

The King of Strongcliff

The lustful King of Strongcliff represents the dangers of unchecked desire and objectification. His fascination leads to tragic outcomes as he discards those who no longer serve his whims. His character illustrates the perils of superficial attraction over genuine connection.

👑 Lust ⚔️ Tragedy

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:46

Major Themes – Tale of Tales (2016)

Explore the central themes of Tale of Tales (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔮 Magic

Magic plays a crucial role in 'Tale of Tales,' driving the narratives of desire, beauty, and terror. The necromancer's influence on the Queen's fate illustrates how power can be wielded to achieve twisted ambitions. Throughout the stories, magical transformations lead to both wondrous and horrific outcomes.

🩸 Violence

Violence is a recurring theme that underscores the characters' desperation and the harsh realities of their choices. From the Queen's murderous desires to Violet's struggle against her fate, the stories highlight how violence begets more violence. The price of ambition is often paid in blood.

👑 Royalty

Royalty and the burdens that come with it are central to the film. The Kings and Queens in the stories navigate their desires and the consequences of their actions. Their quests for power, love, and validation lead to tragic results, revealing the darker side of regal lives.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:46

Unlock the Full Story of Tale of Tales

Don't stop at just watching — explore Tale of Tales in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Tale of Tales is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Tale of Tales Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Tale of Tales, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Tale of Tales Summary

Tale of Tales Timeline

Track the full timeline of Tale of Tales with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Tale of Tales Timeline

More About Tale of Tales

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Tale of Tales: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Tale of Tales

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