The Witches

The Witches

Year: 1990

Runtime: 91 min

Language: Japanese

Director: Nicolas Roeg

AdventureMysteryFantasyHorrorComedyFamily

A curious boy named Luke and his wise grandmother discover an international coven of witches has gathered at their hotel. The Grand High Witch is plotting to transform all the children in England into mice, and Luke finds himself in grave danger. He must use his wits and courage to expose their wicked plan and stop the witches before he becomes their next victim, facing a formidable and magical enemy.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Witches (1990)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Witches (1990). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie's events are set against a backdrop of childhood innocence and supernatural threat. It explores themes of grief, bravery, and courage, common to many timeless stories but also hints at the possibility of transformation and resilience.

Location

Alabama, hotel

The story begins in Alabama, where the Boy is living with his Grandmother in a warm and nurturing environment. Their home serves as a sanctuary while they cope with loss. The plot thickens in a somewhat eerie hotel setting, where a dark coven of witches gather, giving the location an ominous atmosphere.

🏡 Home 🏨 Hotel

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:38

Main Characters – The Witches (1990)

Meet the key characters of The Witches (1990), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Grandma (Octavia Spencer)

Grandma is a nurturing figure with a profound understanding of the mystical world. Throughout the film, she embodies wisdom and determination, doing everything in her power to protect her grandson from the witches' malevolent plans.

👵 Wise 💖 Caring

The Boy (Jahzir Bruno)

The Boy is a young character grappling with loss and grief but transforms through his adventures. His bravery shines as he evolves from a withdrawn child into a resourceful leader willing to face danger head-on to save his friends.

👦 Brave 😢 Grief

Grand High Witch (Anne Hathaway)

The Grand High Witch is the film's primary antagonist, defined by her cunning and malice. She commands her coven and plots devious transformations, making her a formidable foe that challenges the protagonists at every turn.

🧙‍♀️ Evil 🔥 Powerful

Bruno (Codie-Lei Eastick)

Bruno is a fellow hotel guest who becomes the Boy's friend and ally. His character adds an element of humor and camaraderie, illustrating how friendship can emerge even in the gravest circumstances.

🤝 Friendship 😄 Humorous

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:38

Major Themes – The Witches (1990)

Explore the central themes of The Witches (1990), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧙‍♀️ Witchcraft

The primary theme revolves around the realm of witches and the dark magic they wield. It explores the battle between good and evil, as the Boy and his allies face the malevolent Grand High Witch and her coven. This theme highlights bravery in the face of terrifying adversity.

👪 Family Bonds

The relationship between the Boy and his Grandmother underlines the importance of family support during tough times. Their bond grows stronger as they navigate through challenges, emphasizing love and connection as vital sources of strength.

🦸‍♂️ Courage

Courage is a recurring theme as characters confront their fears and uncertainties. The Boy's journey from grief to bravery showcases personal growth, as he rallies his friends to fight back against the witches and reclaim their lives.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:38

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies with child heroes facing magical danger like The Witches

Children facing magical threats with courage, wit, and a touch of whimsy.Find more movies like The Witches where brave children are pitted against supernatural forces. These similar family fantasy stories feature young protagonists using their wits and courage to overcome magical villains and wicked plots.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a child who discovers a hidden, magical threat to their world. They must embark on a covert mission, often with the help of a wise adult or friend, to expose and defeat the villain. The journey emphasizes resourcefulness over brute strength, culminating in a victory that proves the power of innocence and determination.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a specific emotional mix: the genuine tension of a child in peril is balanced by a whimsical, magical setting and a fundamentally hopeful tone. The focus is on the child's courageous journey, making the stakes feel personal and the triumph deeply satisfying.

Bittersweet fantasy movies with found family like The Witches

Magical adventures where victory comes with a poignant, lasting cost.Discover bittersweet fantasy films similar to The Witches, where the heroes win but their victory has a lasting emotional cost. If you liked the ending of The Witches, you'll appreciate these stories that blend triumph with poignant sacrifice and found family themes.

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Narrative Summary

The plot follows a classic heroic arc against a magical adversary, but the resolution subverts a purely happy ending. The protagonist's success involves a significant, irreversible change or loss. The narrative then focuses on accepting this new normal, finding solace and strength in the bonds formed during the struggle, creating a deeply felt ending that is both victorious and melancholic.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups movies based on their unique emotional conclusion. They share a blend of triumphant fantasy action with a poignant, reflective ending. The focus on found family provides a heartwarming counterbalance to the central loss, creating a specific and memorable viewing experience.

Unlock the Full Story of The Witches

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Witches 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 The Witches is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Witches Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Witches, 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.

The Witches Summary

The Witches Timeline

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

The Witches Timeline

The Witches Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Witches that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Witches Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Witches

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Witches: 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 The Witches

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