Krabat

During a brutal period in Europe, a fourteen year old orphan named Krabat escapes the horrors of the Thirty Years War by taking refuge as an apprentice at a shadowy mill run by a powerful, enigmatic master. He is taught the millers trade, but soon discovers the place hides a dangerous occult discipline that goes beyond mere mechanics. Krabat then forms alliances with fellow apprentices and a guardian friend, learning to read the grim politics of the castle mill and its hidden laws. When danger threatens his close ally, Krabat must resist the master's pull and fight for his own freedom, while choosing friendship and love over coercion. The film maintains a brisk pace and a constant sense of peril.

Directed by Marco Kreuzpaintner, Krabat adapts Otfried Preußlers novel for the screen with David Kross as Krabat and Daniel Brühl as Tonda. Created on a budget of $8 million, the film blends German talent with fantasy and a somber mood.

Box office data for Krabat is not widely published, and the film had a modest release in German markets with limited international numbers available globally. It appeared in select markets and festivals, capturing modest attention among niche, regional audiences worldwide.

Krabat fits in the European fairy tale cinema tradition, with a dark atmosphere, a strong ensemble, and a rite of passage that sparks dialogue about freedom and resistance. Its visuals and performances by David Kross and Daniel Brühl are often cited, and the film's language has influenced younger filmmakers today.

Critics praised the movie for its earnest mood and growing pains, even as some felt pacing lagged at times. Core themes center on autonomy, loyalty, and the cost of power, framed by friendship, risk, and a coming of age under pressure. The performances add nuance to a story blending danger.