Jabloňová panna

Since childhood, the young prince—along with his sister Bela—has listened to his nanny's stories about the Apple Tree Maiden. He hears the words of an old ballad about how the deep forest hides the ruins of a fortress where a nobleman once lived with his son and daughter. They lived there happily until the father brought home a new wife, a witch who destroyed everything and cursed the children into the form of apples on a withering apple tree. Only pure love—and only on All Saints' Day—can free the unfortunate siblings and restore their human form. And now, as an adult, the prince searches for his dream—the Apple Tree Maiden—during his endless wanderings through the forest.

Directed by Milan Cieslar, Jabloňová panna leans on a strong ensemble — Karel Dobrý, Vilma Cibulková, Alžběta Šmídová — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about family titles of 2000.