On December 25, the eagerly anticipated series adaptation of Astrid Lindgren's beloved children's classic, Ronja Räubertochter, makes its debut on Germany's ARD channel. This new version marks 40 years since the story was originally brought to life, and promises to enchant both new viewers and those familiar with the tale of the brave young girl living among bandits.
Ronja Räubertochter, which first hit shelves back in 1981, tells the story of Ronja, a courageous girl growing up within a gang of robbers. Her life takes a turn when she forms a forbidden friendship with Birk, the son of her father's rival. This coming-of-age tale is not only cherished for its narrative but also holds fond memories, especially due to the successful Swedish-Norwegian film adaptation released in 1984, which continues to air on German television today.
The ARD has positioned this new series as not just entertainment but as 'great cinema for home.' The network’s director, Christine Strobl, believes the revival can unite families across generations, especially during the festive season. “This fits particularly well with the Christmas period,” she expressed.
Viewers can enjoy the first three episodes of the series as part of the Christmas programming on December 25, starting at 8:15 PM, with the next three episodes following on December 26 at 6 PM. For those unable to watch the TV premiere, each episode has been available for streaming on ARD’s Mediathek since December 20.
Remarkably, this adaptation remains largely faithful to the source material, introducing new plot strands and characters to create depth. The story, set against the backdrop of medieval Sweden, is hired by the accomplished filmmaker Lisa James Larsson, and the narrative explores themes of friendship, courage, and individuality. Cinematographer Frida Wedel’s stunning visuals contribute to the enchanting medieval fantasy vibe, showcasing beautiful landscapes and mythical creatures.
Kerstin Lindén stars as Ronja, having won the role from over 4,000 actresses. Her performance is noteworthy—bringing fresh depth to the iconic character, which she says has always held significance for her. “Ronja has always been my favorite character from Astrid Lindgren,” the 16-year-old actress noted. “Very many children in Sweden act out her adventures. Yes, we look up to her. It’s amazing to be her.”
Included in the main cast are Jack Bergenholtz Henriksson as Birk, with Christoph Wagelin, Krista Kosonen, Johan Ulveson, Sverrir Gudnason, and Mara Nohra filling out key roles. Their characters offer nostalgia for fans as well as new elements to keep the narrative fresh.
One intriguing aspect of this new series is how it presents situations with darker undertones, aiming to respect the seriousness of Lindgren’s storytelling approach. Larsson shared, “Astrid Lindgren always took children seriously and didn’t shy away from negative emotions or frightening images.” While the show is advised for ages ten and up, it's notable for its authentic reflections of the original's challenging themes.
Despite the excitement around the series, viewers may want to brace themselves for the emotional undertones. The new adaptation captures many moments from the book and film, including Ronja's adventurous spirit and the enchanting elements of the forests she loves. Scenes of camaraderie and rivalries between the characters highlight the youthful resilience and determination characteristic of Lindgren's works.
The production quality, combined with the depth added by modern storytelling techniques, presents Ronja Räubertochter as both nostalgic and innovative. Adding new locations and characters enhances the narrative's setting, with thrilling conflicts related to Ronja’s universal quest for identity and independence.
Director Lisa James Larsson emphasizes how long the filming process took, allowing the natural beauty of Sweden and Lithuania to play prominent roles within the storytelling scope. Her team painstakingly scouted for picturesque forest locations, even evaluating around 70 different lakes, to encapsulate the wilderness so central to the story. “We felt this fits with Astrid Lindgren's narrative,” she added, highlighting the environmental depictions aim to connect audiences with the charm of nature.
While the series has generated much excitement, the release of the second installment may still be on the horizon. Following the success of the initial episodes, there are plans for the next batch to arrive by spring 2025, though exact dates are yet to be announced. Until then, audiences can immerse themselves fully within the enchanting world of Ronja by streaming all episodes available online, allowing for repeated viewing.
All indications suggest Ronja Räubertochter is set to become the holiday highlight of 2024, ushering forth another vibrant chapter of this timeless tale suitable for families. With vibrant and carefully curated storytelling, it adeptly bridges the generational gaps between old fans and new viewers hoping to experience the magic of Ronja’s adventures.
