Once upon a time, a long, long time ago -
- there was a beautiful princess named Goldenhair.
One Christmas, while decorating the tree, Goldenhair asked her mother -
- if they could place the Christmas Star at the top of the tree.
The Queen explained that the Christmas Star shone in the sky -
- for everyone on earth.
And that it would always be there for you, if you gave it your heart.
The Queen gave her a gold heart so that she would always remember.
But the King's cousin, the Count, also wanted to be king.
For that to happen, the King and Queen had to die childless.
He sought help from the evil Witch.
In return, she was to receive half the kingdom.
The Count told Goldenhair that she could have the Christmas Star -
- if she gave it the gold heart her mother had given her.
The Princess snuck out into the dark forest to find the Christmas Star.
The evil Witch was waiting in the forest.
She cast a spell on Goldenhair, who then vanished.
The King searched the kingdom for his beloved daughter.
But she was nowhere to be found.
The Queen's heart was broken, and she died of grief.
The King cursed the Christmas Star -
- blaming it for all his misfortune.
The Star disappeared, -
- and a cold darkness descended upon the kingdom.
But an ancient sage prophesied -
- that if the King could find the Star before ten years had passed, -
- Princess Goldenhair would return.
Those ten years are about to run out.
Today is Christmas Eve.
It is the King's last chance to find the Star.
So that his beloved daughter will return.
In a cabin in the forest lives a young girl.
She has been held there by a band of thieves.
Her greatest wish is to be free.
Sonja, I told you to wash the floor!
Sonja? Where did you put the silver spoons?
With the other silverware you stole yesterday.
- Did you forget to shine them? - No.
If I want to get a decent price for them, they need to shine! Understood?
- Where do you think you're going? - To shine the silver.
Down, girl! Down you go!
Lazybones!
You trying to shirk your floor-washing duty?
Not a chance!
You'll never get out of here as long as you refuse to work for your food!
I'm not doing all the work myself, you wimps!
And stop whining. Real thieves don't whine.
Look at today's catch!
Out of the way!
Come, come, come!
Look what a good job they've done!
Don't you feel worthless, when you see how valuable you could have been?
I'd rather steal than scrub floors, that's for sure!
What the...?
- Get her! - Heel!
Go get her! This door is supposed to be locked!
Sonja!
Come on! Let's get her!
Sonja, you miserable wretch!
Sonja, come back!
There! You won't get away, Sonja!
Wait till I catch you, Sonja!
Behind the blacksmith!
Move!
Sonja!
Where did she go?
There!
I've got you now!
Sonja!
Hi, Petrine. You look lovely today.
THE JOURNEY TO THE CHRISTMAS STAR
- He seemed interested in you. - You think?
You sure are popular among the boys.
It will be nice to get out of the cold.
There!
Come on!
You won't get away!
Stop!
- Hi, Petrine! - Hi.
Look.
I made this for you.
Go get the cheese in the cellar.
The astrologer wanted a drink.
The cheese first!
All right.
Last night I dreamt that I was under this mistletoe -
- and this beautiful woman came in to the room.
She had blonde, curly hair and full red lips, and...
Hi. Sonja!
I think I found our new tracker.
Good dog!
Hurry, boys, fill those sacks before someone sees us!
Don't even try!
Now you listen to me. Stick those hams under your coat.
It's time you learn to steal your own food.
I don't want to! Stop stealing, or I'll call the guards.
You keep your mouth shut, or else...
Hey!
Stop! Guards! Thieves in the castle!
Hey, stop right there! Calm down!
It wasn't us!
His Majesty...
The King!
Your Majesty.
Severin Augustus Galaximus, step forward!
- You are our best astrologer? - The best astrologer in the universe.
- Can you find the Christmas Star? - Nothing is impossible.
But it may take some time.
Listen...
Time is running out. You are my last hope.
I beg you as your king,-
- but most of all as a helpless father...
Please help me.
Help me see my daughter again. I want Goldenhair back.
I didn't say it will take some time, I said it might take some time.
Let us not waste any more precious time.
Can you tell us where the Christmas Star is?
Yes.
The Christmas star has gone to Equuleus, Your Majesty.
- To...? - The little horse. The foal.
- I see... - And it has journeyed here.
To Hydrus.
Through Musca.
All they way out to Piscis Austrinus.
Then it took a semicircle back to the Herdsman.
Behold!
It rested briefly -
- by Ursa Major.
No, wait...
By Leo Minor it rested.
Just as I suspected.
The Christmas Star has gone toward Berenice ll of Egypt's Hair.
Whose hair?
The Christmas Star is in Coma, Your Majesty.
Coma? I've never heard of that.
It is here, right between Ursa Major -
- and M64.
How fast can you bring it home?
- What do you mean? - You have to bring it to me.
Yes, Your Highness.
Bruno.
Bruno, come here!
Go see what he's up to.
It's another one of the thieves.
- I'm not one of them! - You don't say?
- I was trying to escape. - Then what are you doing here?
They chased me in here. I had to hide.
- You again? - Do you know her?
- I met her down in the larder. - Then she is a thief!
Guard, throw her in the dungeon!
But I haven't done anything wrong!
Wait. She did try to stop the thieves, Your Majesty.
- Is this true? - Yes, Your Majesty.
Release her.
What is your name?
Sonja.
- Your Majesty... - Enough.
I want the Christmas Star back here before this day is over.
Yes, Your Majesty, you can count on us.
And you...
Come with me.
Come on.
There. Sit.
Not you, Bruno.
Sonja, please sit down.
Go ahead.
- Why do they keep you prisoner? - Because I refuse to steal.
Don't you have a family?
- No. - What?
What about friends?
I'll see to it those thieves never bother you again.
But where will you go now?
I am going to find the Christmas Star for you.
I have searched for nine years, Sonja.
I have tried everything.
- Have you tried giving it your heart? - My heart?
I was told that you have to give it your heart.
Nobody would want my heart.
It became ugly and black when I cursed the Christmas Star.
But do you think it might want mine?
Yes, I do.
Then I will give it my heart.
If you found the Christmas Star, I would probably give it my heart too.
But we have to believe the astrologer will do as promised.
Are you hungry?
Petrine?
Petrine!
- Yes. - Could you please feed our guest?
- Goodbye, Sonja. - Come with me.
Do you have any favorite food?
So you promised the King you'd search for the Christmas Star?
Here, take this.
So you don't freeze.
- There. - Thank you.
- Do you know which way to go? - To the left.
- To the left? - Yes, that's the heart side.
Promise you'll be careful.
Good luck, my friend.
- Can we trust this Galaximus? - He promised to return with the Star.
- Let us hope so. - He will do his best.
- I'll see to that. - Good.
Easy money.
The King is gullible.
Make sure he doesn't see you leave. He thinks you're halfway to the moon.
- Stop doing that! - We have to talk.
I can inform you that everything is going according to plan.
Just like last year, and the year before.
- We have a problem. - Positive or negative?
Have you ever had a positive problem?
No.
Rumor has it a young girl has set out to find the Christmas Star.
- What is so funny? - Sonja. I know who she is.
You have nothing to fear. She is but a child.
If she seeks, she might find.
And then we will have wasted nine years. And you will never be king.
I hear you. You have nothing to fear.
But you do.
I am three seconds from blasting some sense into your skull!
My dear Witch, of course you are perfectly right.
We cannot take any chances.
- What do you think we should do? - I want her stopped!
- You want me to...? - Yes.
I'm going to be world famous. Everyone will talk about me!
Don't you believe me, you ugly raven?
You fowl foul! I'll pluck you clean, I'll...
- Hi, morn! - You never listen to me.
Should I wear my hair up or down with this dress?
These ravens are never to leave their cage. They are not toys.
They hate being locked up. They're going crazy.
All they want is to be set free.
- Soon you'll be allowed to leave. - I can't stand this anymore!
There is a time for everything. Now it's time for you to read.
- I have to work. - I'm coming with you.
- No. - Yes.
- No. - Yes, I am!
No!
You're very eager to show off.
In defiance of ancient customs.
We must keep our powers hidden, not show them off.
Learn to master your powers, or they will overwhelm you.
Do you know which way the Christmas Star is?
Are you trapped?
Who are you?
Sonja. Who are you?
Moss.
Hi, Moss.
I was going to grab these rowanberries.
But the door slammed shut.
What are you staring at? You old owl!
I've never seen you here before.
No. I'm looking for the Christmas Star.
- The Christmas Star? - Yes. Do you know where it is?
Someone's coming!
Open the door!
Thank you, Sonja!
I'll help you.
- How did you do that? - Gnome dust. Come!
Sonja?
You can come out now.
- Where are we? - Almost home.
Sonja, come out!
I know you're here.
Come.
- Come! - How will I grow big again?
I can hear you!
Strange...
Delicious! It just needs a little spice. Let me add some juniper.
- This is where I live. - You have a cozy home.
What's the meaning of this?
A human, here?
She sure is tiny for a human.
Have you been using gnome dust again?
Speak! Or has the fox got your tongue?
- This is Sonja. - Sonja?
- I mean no harm. - I was stuck. She helped me free.
You got stuck again?
- In a bird trap. - What have I said about them?
That was very kind of you, Sonja, to help Moss.
- Bless you for that. Many times. - Many, many.
- Many. - Many thank yous.
My pleasure.
What's a girl like you doing out on the Eve of Yule?
She's looking for the Christmas Star.
Only Father Christmas knows how to find the Christmas Star.
Where does he live?
You'd have to fly on the North Wind to get there.
And the journey to the North Wind is too dangerous for a little girl.
Moss, bring her back outside and make her big again.
- But I have to find the Star. - I'm afraid that's not possible.
- Could you taste this? - Yes, taste!
Moss? Come here.
- Seek help from the bear. - You know something about the Star?
- Sweetbitter. - Sweetbitter?
Bittersweet.
Bitter.
- Bitterbitter. - Bitter.
Ahh... Not sweetbitter.
But be careful.
- Yes, bitter. - Bitter is as bitter does.
Come.
Bitter is best!
Grampa knows someone who can help you.
But you'll owe me a favor.
I'll do anything.
Will you put a bowl of Christmas porridge on the stoop for me?
I've never tasted Christmas porridge. People have forgotten us gnomes.
I'll never forget you, Moss. I promise.
Come!
Big Bear is asleep in here.
He can bring you to the North Wind in no time.
I can't wake him while he's hibernating.
Sure, just smile sweetly and say hi from me.
But he may be a little grumpy.
He usually sleeps for several more months. Take this.
Is this a good idea?
A good idea? Not at all!
But it's the only way for you to get to the Christmas Star.
I guess I don't have a choice.
Sonja!
You're too small to meet Big Bear.
- Bye, Sonja. - Bye, Moss.
Delicious blueberry pie. Yum-yum.
It can be yours, if you help me.
I need your help. I have to get to the North Wind!
- Why? - In order to find the Christmas Star.
And why should I help you?
Moss told me to say hello and give you this.
So...
Moss says hello?
Very well. Climb up on my back, Sonja.
Hang on tight!
Find out where they are!
The North Wind tends to fly by up there around this time.
Thank you.
Have faith in yourself, and I'm sure you'll find the Star.
Good luck, Sonja.
- And goodbye. - Good bye.
I don't believe it!
Get lost, you pesky crows!
I still haven't heard from the astrologer. That can't be good.
I'm sure everything will be fine.
We still have time before the Christmas bells ring. Try to eat.
Thank you, Petrine.
Are you the North Wind?
- Yes! Who is asking? - Can you take me to Father Christmas?
He is utterly incompetent!
What in the...?
- Stop doing that! - The North Wind is helping Sonja.
Solution-oriented as always?
Here. Take this. Climb onto it.
And say, "tabernus super terram." Come on!
Tabernus troper terram!
It doesn't work!
Jump on, if you dare!
- Jump? - Yes! You aren't afraid, are you?
- Where should I jump from? - Right there! Don't think, just jump!
Tabernus troper terram!
Tabernus super terram!
That's what I said: Tabernus super terram!
Now go get her!
And don't look down. Remember you're afraid of heights.
Come on! If you want to join me, you must jump now!
Hang on!
You'll never get away, Sonja!
I've got you now!
You don't stand a chance!
Ow!
Terra super nola!
Terra...
...super anno!
This is the North Pole, where Father Christmas lives.
Get ready to roll off!
Well done, Sonja. That went quite well!
Thank you. Goodbye!
Open the door!
Out of my way!
What's his problem?
Dammit!
- Did you catch her? - No!
What did you expect, with this useless piece of wood?
You are utterly worthless!
You are incapable of performing a single task I give you!
Amateur!
- The gifts! - Roger!
Here it is. The list from the doubters.
They always wait until the last minute!
Sara's Christmas tree needs checking. She was mean to her brother.
What is this I see?
A girl?
Here?
Now?
- What do you want? - I'm looking for Father Christmas.
- You think you can just show up? - Should I make an appointment?
- You shouldn't show up, period! - He doesn't accept visitors?
That isn't what I said.
But why did you have to pick the busiest day of the year?
- Don't you know it's Christmas Eve? - Yes.
You do? Yet you come here and interrupt us?
- How did you get here, anyway? - I flew on the North Wind.
On the North Wind?
I'm searching for the Christmas Star.
- Another list? - From the doubters.
Those doubters! They're always late.
You have a visitor.
She's searching for the Christmas Star.
The forest gnomes said you might know where it is.
What's your name?
Sonja.
Do you like receiving presents?
My mother gave this to me once.
It's beautiful!
It's my most prized possession.
How do you know if people have been good?
Let me show you. Wait here.
Sonja?
I'm ready now.
Didn't I tell you to wrap that?
I'll give you an earful...
We aren't in that much of a hurry.
Things get a little crazy here around Christmas.
You see, Sonja, up here every person has their own tree.
And as Christmas approaches, I go look at those trees.
If you have been good, the tree is healthy.
But if you have been bad, the branches will start to die.
That one, that is the King's tree.
The branches started dying when he cursed the Star.
- Will his tree die? - No, not if he shows remorse.
That one is almost dead.
The owner of that tree has lied to the King for years.
The Count.
That's a pretty tree!
The owner of that tree is a good person through and through.
- That is your tree, Sonja. - Mine? Really?
Have you made a Christmas wish this year? I think you should.
Can I trade trees with the King, so he can wish for Goldenhair?
I think you should wish for something for yourself.
I wish I would find the Star, so Goldenhair can return.
I am sure you will find it.
The Star is where it has always been. Outside the King's castle.
No, it isn't.
It is, but the King can't see it.
You see, when the King lost everything he cared for, -
- he stopped believing in the Christmas Star.
And he who no longer believes can no longer see.
What do you mean?
You must believe, Sonja.
Believe with all your heart.
Now wish yourself back to where the King cursed the Christmas Star.
Good luck, Sonja!
And Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
It can't be!
Look at that locket!
The locket Goldenhair had when she disappeared.
You can burn me at the stake if that isn't Princess Goldenhair!
- But she's dead. - No, the locket must have saved her.
And you were rude enough to call me an amateur?
Is that her?
Look at those ugly clothes!
What?
I'll take over from here. And you will do exactly as I say. Understood?
- Sure. - Good. Wait here!
Hi, Sonja. Are you cold?
No?
- What is that? - Nothing.
- May I see? - No.
I'll take that!
Fine.
No!
- No! - Thank you.
Are we going to make the King believe that is Goldenhair?
Mom!
I don't think the King is expecting Princess Greenhair.
He only has to believe it long enough to sign.
- Sign what? - This.
Once signed, what is written here can never be undone.
- And that is...? - He will relinquish the throne to us.
And make my daughter the future queen.
Look how pretty I am!
He'll never agree to that.
He will, if we make him believe he is signing something else.
Hello?
Can anyone help me?
Help!
My dear friend, people said it was impossible.
But I labored day and night and finally succeeded.
Allow me to present your daughter, Princess Goldenhair, alive and well!
Father?
Goldenhair?
Goldenhair!
You look so...
Aren't I pretty enough?
Of course, by all means. I didn't mean that.
- You're lovely. - Are you sure?
- Yes. - Then why are you staring like that?
- You're so big. - You left me in the woods for years!
You have no idea how sorry I am. We tried everything.
And now you're... Bruno, look who's back!
-It's mine. - Do you remember when you got it?
I don't remember. I was such a little girl.
Oh, my dear. My dear girl.
Guess what's happened!
Goldenhair has returned!
The Count found her. Isn't it fantastic?
Ole!
Help!
- Help! - Sonja?
Sonja!
Moss!
- Yes, what is it? - I'm stuck!
Yeah, I can see that.
It was the Witch! She took my locket. And the Christmas Star!
- You found it? - Yes.
- Yaw. -Can you get me hose'?
Well, I'm not sure.
But I can try.
Thank you, Moss. You are a good friend.
Can you make me big again? I must get back to the castle.
I don't have much time.
Take care, Sonja.
No one is to come through this gate tonight.
If so much as a mouse sneaks through, I'll have you tossed in the dungeon!
Understood?
His Majesty the King!
And Princess Goldenhair!
After many dark years, -
- light has finally returned to the castle.
And all thanks to one special man.
My dear friend, the Count.
Allow me to introduce this lovely woman who has helped me.
I could never have done this without her.
Hello? Hello?
Who goes there?
What can I give you as a token of my gratitude?
Your happiness is more than enough of a reward. But there is one thing...
If Your Majesty could sign this document, -
- where you promise never to curse the Christmas Star again.
Yes. Of course.
Fetch me a pen.
Hey! Stop, in the name of the King!
This way!
Stop!
In the name of the King, stop!
This way!
Sonja?
- Your signature, Your Majesty. - Yes, later.
It's good to see you. Look who has returned.
- Who is that? - Goldenhair. She came back.
If that's Princess Goldenhair, -
- why isn't the Christmas Star shining?
No, it isn't shining.
Stars don't always shine. And it is overcast tonight.
Throw her in the dungeon!
Now!
Release her!
- What is it? - She tried to steal my locket!
Once a thief, always a thief.
Is it true? Did you try to steal it?
No.
And even if I had, it wouldn't have been stealing.
It's my locket.
My mother gave it to me when I was a young child.
- And I found the Christmas Star. - She's lying!
The Christmas Star isn't shining.
- Where is it? - In my heart.
- No! - Give me my locket!
It's beautiful!
Look!
The Christmas Star!
The Christmas Star is shining!
It's you.
You were so young. You wouldn't recognize me.
But I recognize you.
And Bruno recognizes you.
Goldenhair.
Am I Goldenhair?
My Goldenhair.
I can walk myself!
Let go of me! Leave me alone! You're stepping on my dress!
Your Majesty, please have them release...
Have mercy, Your Majesty. It was the Witch's idea. She's the one...
I'm telling you, it was the Witch!
Bruno!
Imagine that Goldenhair is back! Isn't that just wonderful?
Lovely.
My little princess. I have something for you.
Your mother would have wanted you to have this.
It's beautiful.
You are beautiful!
- Oops! - What are you doing?
- It wasn't my fault. -Come help me with the porridge.
Ole?
I didn't see that coming!
Isn't it pretty, Bruno?
Lovely.
Let's eat!
- Your Majesty... - Thank you.
- Lovely. - Merry Christmas.
No, sit down, you two.
Let's eat together.
Well? Have a seat.
- Thank you. - Thank you.
Subtitles: Nicholas Norris