Mary’s (Elle Fanning) seemingly dull Christmas is suddenly filled with excitement and adventure following the arrival of her Uncle Albert (Nathan Lane), who gives her a Nutcracker as a gift. Later that night, Mary dreams that the Nutcracker–called N.C. (Charlie Rowe)–comes to life and takes her on a wondrous journey. They discover that the Nazi-like Rat King (John Turturro) has usurped the Nutcracker’s kingdom.
In the climax of the film, the Nutcracker appears to have been killed, but Mary’s tears and declaration of love restore him to life and transforms him into a prince, his true form. The rats are all defeated and overthrown, but now Mary must reluctantly awaken from her dream. Before she’s fully awake, N.C. promises that they’ll meet again. After she does so, she goes to Uncle Albert’s workshop, where she meets his new young neighbor, who is the exact image of the Nutcracker Prince and who asks to be called N.C. The two become close friends, and the last shot of the film shows them ice skating together.
Based on the story that inspired acclaimed Russian composer Piotr Tchaikovsky to create the music for the iconic ballet, the film includes eight exciting new songs penned by Oscar-winning lyricist and librettist Sir Tim Rice (The Lion King, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar). Shot on location in Budapest, Hungary, the film follows nine-year-old Mary (Fanning) whose dull Viennese Christmas is suddenly filled with excitement and adventure following the arrival of her beloved Uncle Albert (Lane) and his gift of an enchanted nutcracker.
The Nutcracker in 3D (2010)
Directed by: Andrei Konchalovsky
Starring: Elle Fanning, Nathan Lane, John Turturro, Frances de la Tour, Richard E. Grant, Fernanda Dorogi, Attila Kalmár, Richard E. Grant, Yuliya Vysotskaya, Shirley Henderson, Daniel Peacock
Screenplay: Andrei Konchalovsky
Production Design by: Kevin Phipps
Cinematography by: Mike Southon
Film Editing by: Mathieu Bélanger, Andrew Glen
Costume Design by: Louise Stjernsward
Set Decoration by: Judy Farr
Art Direction by: Claudio Campana, Stephen Dobric, Adam O’Neill
Music by: Eduard Artemev
MPAA Rating: PG for parental guidance.
Distributed by: HCC Media Group
Release Date: November 24, 2010