Watch The Emperor's New Clothes - Full Story

The Emperor's New Clothes is a 2001 British comedy film retelling the classic folktale by Hans Christian Andersen. Directed by Alan Taylor, the film stars Ian Holm, Iben Hjejle, and Tim McInnerny. It is an entertaining and heartwarming tale that explores the themes of vanity, greed, and deception. The story takes place in the fictional Kingdom of Tredony, where the vain and arrogant Emperor has a passion for fancy clothes. The story begins with a con-man named Sponheim and his partner-in-crime, Swindler, arriving in the city. They disguise themselves as weavers and convince the Emperor that they can weave a fabric that is invisible to anyone who is not fit for their job or is hopelessly stupid.

The Emperor is intrigued by the idea of having a unique outfit and decides to commission the weavers to make him a suit of clothes from this special fabric. The weavers then begin weaving nothing on invisible looms and pretend to sew the invisible fabric together. The Emperor, his courtiers and his ministers are all too afraid to admit that they cannot see the fabric for fear of being seen as stupid or unfit for their roles. So, they all pretend that they can see the fabric and praise its wonderful qualities.

As the weavers progress with their work, the Emperor's obsession grows stronger, and he sends his advisors to check on the progress of the new suit. Of course, the advisors are unable to see the fabric, but they continue to praise it for fear of their jobs. Finally, the day arrives when the Emperor is to wear his new suit in a grand parade. He gets dressed in his imaginary outfit, and the procession begins.

As the Emperor walks through the town, people start to point out that he is not wearing anything at all. It started with a small child who exclaims the truth, but no one believes him. However, the murmurs of disbelief and laughter grow and grow until the Emperor finally realizes that he has been duped by the con-men. The Emperor pretends that he knew all along and continues the parade in his birthday suit.

In the end, the con-men get away with the Emperor's treasure, but the Emperor learns a valuable lesson about vanity and deception. He also finally recognizes the worth of his citizens, and he returns to his palace to consider the important issues affecting the kingdom.

Overall, the film is an excellent adaptation of the original story. It showcases excellent performances from the cast, particularly Ian Holm, who brings a subtle blend of arrogance and vulnerability to his portrayal of the Emperor. The costume design is exceptional, with the invisible costumes adding a whimsical touch to the story. The humor is lighthearted and balanced, making it an enjoyable and amusing film for all ages.

The Emperor's New Clothes is a delightful and witty film that teaches us important lessons about vanity, pride, honesty, and the value of true friendship. It is a heartwarming tale that will entertain and inspire audiences for years to come.