The Girl Without Hands (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story unfolds across several key locations: a mill where the miller makes his fateful deal with the Devil, a forest where the young girl finds refuge and discovers a magical garden of pears, a castle where she finds love with a prince, a river that serves as a source of guidance and magic, and an abandoned house that becomes a symbol of hope and a fresh start for the characters.

• setting
• locations
• mill
• forest
• castle
• river
• abandoned house

The film takes place in a timeless fairy tale setting, blending elements of folklore and fantasy rather than being anchored to a specific historical era. This deliberate choice allows the story to explore universal themes like good versus evil, love, and sacrifice without the constraints of a particular time period.

• time period
• fairy tale
• timeless
• historical setting

Sacrifice is a central theme showing the young girl's journey as she willingly gives up her hands to save herself from the Devil. The love between her and the prince also involves significant sacrifices, highlighting how individuals endure great lengths for family and love, especially when facing the manipulations of evil. The theme ultimately showcases resilience and the importance of standing up against oppression.

• sacrifice
• theme
• loss
• resilience

The battle between good and evil is embodied in the young girl's struggle against the Devil, who exploits her father's greed. The story portrays her as a symbol of purity and strength in stark contrast to the Devil's manipulative and sinister nature. Goodness ultimately prevails as the young girl, with support from loved ones, triumphs over malevolence.

• good vs evil
• devil
• theme
• purity

The main character is the Young Girl, also known as Françoise Lebrun in the film. She demonstrates remarkable resilience and purity throughout her trials. Despite the horrific demands of the Devil and making extreme personal sacrifices, she remains hopeful and loving, ultimately transforming her adversities into strength to reclaim her life.

• young girl
• main character
• protagonist
• Françoise Lebrun

The Miller is driven by greed and desperation for wealth, which the Devil exploits. His decisions set the tragic events into motion, reflecting the devastating effects of temptation and his unchecked ambition. His character serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of putting material gain above family and moral integrity.

• miller
• greed
• devil
• deal
• temptation

The river serves as a pivotal source of guidance and magic in the narrative. It acts as a benevolent force that aids the young girl throughout her journey, functioning as a magical intervention that helps her overcome the challenges posed by the Devil. The river represents hope and supernatural assistance in the face of adversity.

• river
• magic
• guidance
• supernatural

Love blossoms between the young girl and the prince, driving much of their actions throughout the story. Their relationship symbolizes hope and the triumph of love over adversity. The prince demonstrates bravery and loyalty, dedicating himself to protecting the young girl and their family despite facing tremendous challenges. Their love has the power to overcome great obstacles, even in the face of betrayal and deception.

• prince
• love
• relationship
• Anaïs Demoustier

The film explores three primary themes: Sacrifice, as demonstrated by the young girl's journey and her willingness to give up her hands; Love, which drives the relationship between the girl and prince and serves as a force that overcomes adversity; and Good versus Evil, portrayed through the girl's struggle against the manipulative Devil. These themes intertwine to convey messages about resilience, the importance of standing up against oppression, and the triumph of goodness.

• themes
• sacrifice
• love
• good vs evil
• meaning

The young girl receives help from several supportive characters, most notably the Gardener (played by Olivier Broche) and the Prince. The Gardener shows kindness and aids her in times of need, serving as a vital ally against the forces of darkness. The river also provides magical guidance. The prince's dedication to protecting her and their family highlights the value of loyalty and love as forces that help her ultimately triumph.

• gardener
• helper
• ally
• support

The film carries a predominantly dark tone due to its bleak subject matter, which includes a father's betrayal, physical mutilation when the girl loses her hands, and the Devil's persistent torment. The intensity is high given the relentless series of traumatic events. However, it is not considered bleak because the narrative ultimately centers on hope and resilience overcoming darkness, with the protagonist triumphing and reuniting with her family.

• dark tone
• mood
• intensity
• dark fairy tale

The abandoned house becomes the young girl's new home with the prince, symbolizing hope and a fresh start. After enduring the miller's broken home and the Devil's torment, finding shelter in the abandoned house represents the possibility of building a new life together. It signifies renewal, resilience, and the ability to create happiness despite past suffering.

• abandoned house
• symbol
• new home
• hope