A lovely, haunting film reminiscent of the Czech film, THREE NUTS FOR CINDERELLA, RUSALOCHKA is a relatively faithful adaptation of Andersen's tale, "The Little Mermaid." In this film, the mermaid does not have to give up her voice to the sea hag, but she does exchange her blue hair for legs. There are other slight variations from the source story, but, for the most part, this is a very satisfying, touching retelling of the classic story for those of us who like our fairytales told properly without Calypso singing lobsters and valley-girl patter. As far as I know, this is only available in Russian.
8 Reviews
Beautifully sad
itsjustcarol20 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I know many different variations of The Little Mermaid and the darker storylines are what I like more about them instead of the happy endings like Disney puts it. I liked how in the end, the mermaid never ended up with the Prince and in a way, I liked how she continued to live on instead of dying a tragic death.
It was sad how the prince came to believe that it was the princess who had saved him and was in denial that it was the mermaid; even after she gave her token to both of the knights/princes. He should've felt betrayed; she even told him that she didn't pray for the gods to bring him back.
Nonetheless, this version, I found rather beautiful.
It was sad how the prince came to believe that it was the princess who had saved him and was in denial that it was the mermaid; even after she gave her token to both of the knights/princes. He should've felt betrayed; she even told him that she didn't pray for the gods to bring him back.
Nonetheless, this version, I found rather beautiful.
Takes one to another world
TheLittleSongbird9 January 2020
Hans Christian Andersen's story 'The Little Mermaid' is one of my favourites, it's one of his most iconic stories more than justifiably, it is full of charm and magic and the ending touches me without fail every time. Have been a fan of Russian film for a long time, especially their animations and old fantasies ever since starting to watch and review more than what was familiar to me already in 2013 and then resuming last year.
This 1976 adaptation is just lovely. It is relatively faithful as an adaptation (or at least in spirit it is), though with some major differences that make sense and don't harm the storytelling or characters at all. It succeeds even better on its own merits, which to me has always been a fairer way to judge and have always tried to adopt it while making the odd exception depending on how big the difference in quality is. Anybody that loves Russian fantasy will find this 'The Little Mermaid' a delight, it was this sort of film that made me love their films and such in the first place.
My only real complaint is that at times the courtly scenes are a touch mannered.
On the other hand, it is a beautiful looking film with a first fifteen minutes that really takes the breath away. The settings really evoke a sense of wonder and the photography is some of the most beautiful for any non-recent, and even overall, film seen recently. Particularly underwater, which make for some pretty unforgettable imagery. The music similarly enchants, it fits perfectly and not only adds a lot to what is going on but at its best it enhances. Especially in the dance sequence, which is beautifully choreographed.
It was clearly written with love for the story, never loses its emotional impact and does nothing to make the story ramble or lack clarity. It may very likely make one intrigued enough into watching more Russian films if they are not familiar with them already. The story is truly enchanting and towards the end very touching as well, did shed tears at the end admittedly. The characters are interesting, especially the titular character who is also very rootable, and the actors all seemed engrossed in their characters and stay true to them. Viktoriya Novikova is never less than beguiling and Galina Volchek haunts the mind as the Witch.
Summing up, a delight. 9/10
This 1976 adaptation is just lovely. It is relatively faithful as an adaptation (or at least in spirit it is), though with some major differences that make sense and don't harm the storytelling or characters at all. It succeeds even better on its own merits, which to me has always been a fairer way to judge and have always tried to adopt it while making the odd exception depending on how big the difference in quality is. Anybody that loves Russian fantasy will find this 'The Little Mermaid' a delight, it was this sort of film that made me love their films and such in the first place.
My only real complaint is that at times the courtly scenes are a touch mannered.
On the other hand, it is a beautiful looking film with a first fifteen minutes that really takes the breath away. The settings really evoke a sense of wonder and the photography is some of the most beautiful for any non-recent, and even overall, film seen recently. Particularly underwater, which make for some pretty unforgettable imagery. The music similarly enchants, it fits perfectly and not only adds a lot to what is going on but at its best it enhances. Especially in the dance sequence, which is beautifully choreographed.
It was clearly written with love for the story, never loses its emotional impact and does nothing to make the story ramble or lack clarity. It may very likely make one intrigued enough into watching more Russian films if they are not familiar with them already. The story is truly enchanting and towards the end very touching as well, did shed tears at the end admittedly. The characters are interesting, especially the titular character who is also very rootable, and the actors all seemed engrossed in their characters and stay true to them. Viktoriya Novikova is never less than beguiling and Galina Volchek haunts the mind as the Witch.
Summing up, a delight. 9/10
Other Fish In The Sea
loganx-29 May 2010
I couldn't imagine a more beatific opening 15 minutes for a live action adaption of "The Little Mermaid". All my hopes for a eastern European fantasia (this film was made as a collaboration between Bulgaria and USSR) came true, in bright multicolored fire-works, dreamy mermaids(whose costumes are a bit dated, but still oddly effective), lovely period costumes, and wondrous underwater photography(the merman with the violin will stay with my years).
Unfortunately things dry begin to dry up once our daughter of sea, reaches dry land to get her man. The story is simple enough; girl rescues drowned sailor and falls in love with him, to become human she sells her most prized possession first her flowing green hair, and eventually her voice to an old witch.The prince has mistaken another princess as his savior, but is unmistakably drawn to our heroin.
She has a sidekick in a village fool, whose simple stupid-heartedness is ultimately what saves her, sort of. In any event it ain't the prince, and it's nice to see the ugly buffoon, usually the minor comic relief, take a place of mythological importance. Still without animated talking fish pals backing her up, she can only take this so far.
The elegance of the waves gives way to the tediousness of courtly life, where contests and intrigues play themselves out, to their inevitable end. Which in keeping with the early accounts and legends, sees our girl facing a tragic end. My favorite version is where she turns into sea foam when she dies, and serves as an explanation for why the sea is so frothy. It sounds about right to me anyway.
It's over all a beautiful Soviet fairy tale, which should delight fans of fables, Han's Christian Anderson (one of my mother's favorite films was the 1952 Hans Christian Anderson, musical way, way, loosely inspired by his life), and fan's of Disney's "The Little Mermaid.
Unfortunately things dry begin to dry up once our daughter of sea, reaches dry land to get her man. The story is simple enough; girl rescues drowned sailor and falls in love with him, to become human she sells her most prized possession first her flowing green hair, and eventually her voice to an old witch.The prince has mistaken another princess as his savior, but is unmistakably drawn to our heroin.
She has a sidekick in a village fool, whose simple stupid-heartedness is ultimately what saves her, sort of. In any event it ain't the prince, and it's nice to see the ugly buffoon, usually the minor comic relief, take a place of mythological importance. Still without animated talking fish pals backing her up, she can only take this so far.
The elegance of the waves gives way to the tediousness of courtly life, where contests and intrigues play themselves out, to their inevitable end. Which in keeping with the early accounts and legends, sees our girl facing a tragic end. My favorite version is where she turns into sea foam when she dies, and serves as an explanation for why the sea is so frothy. It sounds about right to me anyway.
It's over all a beautiful Soviet fairy tale, which should delight fans of fables, Han's Christian Anderson (one of my mother's favorite films was the 1952 Hans Christian Anderson, musical way, way, loosely inspired by his life), and fan's of Disney's "The Little Mermaid.
Beautiful to watch, good actors, interesting plot
mungraffios19 January 2022
Very nice movie with genius actor. The main character mermaid has very interesting suits. It is very unusual for that time and now its still very attractive and unusual. I especially liked the maid of honor dresses.
When you watch this film it's like you're in a beautiful dream. Picture is foggy and brilliant.
Plot is different with original but.no less interesting.
When you watch this film it's like you're in a beautiful dream. Picture is foggy and brilliant.
Plot is different with original but.no less interesting.
Soviet version of the tale is very different
Leofwine_draca2 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
THE LITTLE MERMAID is one of many filmed Soviet versions of classic fairy stories. Anyone familiar with the Disney animated version of this story will find this tale unrecognisable, containing as it does a beautiful young woman who is forced to give up her magical elements in order to live on dry land amid polite society. The film contains the usual morality, humour from a village idiot, and low key romance, but it's also very mannered and dated. There are moments of ethereal atmosphere where it's all worthwhile, but overall this is quite stodgy and unappealing, lacking the proper sense of wonder and magic.
A beautiful musical drama
jessicajin19 September 2011
Definitely worth a watch even if the dialogue is in Russian. Subtitles could be obtained easily on-line. Even though the film does not strictly adhere to Anderson's original text, and there are many modifications to the plot, the retelling is refreshing with enchanting setting, costumes and acting, a feast for the eyes. Beautiful soundtrack and dance sequence. Do not expect many special effects since the film is old. Indeed, a treasure of the Russian-language cinema. Expect this to be a touching film which will move you and provokes your thinking. And by the way, the actor playing the Prince looked oddly like Zac Efron or Ian Somerhalder.
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