Mavka: The Forest Song (2023) User Reviews

English Version Review - From Australia

[torturedwriter-44699 · 8/10 · 10 April 2023]

To start, I want to say that I'm from outside of the Ukraine, I know nothing about it or its culture, and I have no children. So I'm purely reviewing this with an outsiders perspective, compared with many of the other reviews so far.

Funnily enough, I found out about this movie just from seeing the poster. I LOVE all things nature and green, so I looked up the trailer, and it reminded me a lot of my favourite Disney movie 'Tangled' in many ways. So I decided to watch it. I knew nothing of the story or culture it was based on. I just thought 'Forest theme = Yes' and 'Tangled Vibes = Yes'. And I have to say, I really loved this movie.

It's not perfect by any means. There were a few moments I felt were a bit childish, but... It's a kids movie so I can't really fault it for that. Some of the dialogue is a bit clunky, and the editing and placement of scenes sometimes doesn't quite fit. The story is quite thin too. Also, the animation isn't going to be as good as that from the major studios, as its a low budget movie.

And yet, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie: Everything about it. I enjoyed the humorous moments, the weird and over the top characters. The scenery was GORGEOUS, and I just couldn't help but have a smile on my face a lot of the time. The music was beautiful. And I LOVED the design of Mavka. Considering this wasn't a big budget movie, the animation was incredible too.

I think there's a few things mentioned above that should go against it, but they don't. Because it's just too darn charming. I love this movie and I'd definitely watch it again.

Very interesting new setting that you haven't seen before.

[sokoldmt · 8/10 · 3 March 2023]

The courage of the authors is to be commended. They chose a Slavic (Ukrainian) setting and guessed it. We hardly see it in cinemas.

This dynamic cartoon will not let you get bored or fall asleep. Your children will like it and Mavka will try very hard to please you too.

I liked the good visuals and fresh style. Of course you have to forgive the average animation of some human characters. But the inhabitants and spirits of the forest are excellent.

Also, this cartoon is worth watching to support young and talented authors. So that they can create very good product in the future.

And stay after the subtitles to see the important plot twist ;)

Australia / English Version Review

[danandhisart · 8/10 · 4 July 2023]

Wow, what an amazing film, to be able to put my review in such few words, is if you want to watch a great thought out film, with diverse colours, creative story line, musically and sound enhanced with character progression and a cartoony feel that leaves you wanting more, then give Mavka a watch!

I think the only thing letting it down would actually be some of the fighting scenes, I get its meant to be directed at all ages, actually unsure of the rating as I write this review but I would think its in the PG ball park, it would be good to actually see no. 2 of this if it ever goes ahead but from what I understand and the plot line they left that to interpretation. I think overall its a good film and well worth a watch if you have kids or you're into animation.

Finally had chance to see the movie

[katarina7777 · 7/10 · 21 April 2023]

I am very very happy it's finally available to see. More than 7 years of work by animagrad is huge time and financial investment

It's amazing cartoon for babies.

However, by being adult and knowing the book, I have been expected more dynamics, much more energy, and main heroes appearance in absolutely different way, same as behavior, moves and of course different dramatic ending.

Book by Lesya Ukrainka is incredible rich and emotional, and unfortunately I could not feel anything even close related to the book, it s just a new cartoon that is good but about different mavka and different story.

But I think that it is also big success. Thank you for film! Hope for a new ones soon by animagrad and ukrainian animators. The more products will be done, more experience will bring better results..

Universal love story on top of original characters with a Ukrainian folk topping

[andrewdruchenko · 9/10 · 6 March 2023]

Being mostly raised on Disney's cartoon in a post soviet Ukraine I must admit, that this is the first cartoon of its kind(made in Ukraine) that deeply touched my stale, selfish ego.

Even though the film was in production for something like 3 years, and was postponed for release several times (the last, probably due to the war), I like to admit that the final result is remarkably good.

Needless to say, that international viewers will miss some real fun & insights related to local (modern) Ukrainian culture, due to translation(as this always happens), but I hope, that the most important senses will get positive acclaim.

P.s. The movie is based off a classic poetic play, called "The Forest Song" by Lesya Ukrainka, which all Ukrainian kids study in mid-school.

SPREAD LOVE NOT WAR!

[TomTalksFilms · 7/10 · 28 July 2023]

Fun fact: Ukraine's highest grossing film to date

Mavka: The Forest Song is a new animated feature funded by the Ukrainian state film industry and animated by Ukrainian company animagrad. Don't be surprised if you haven't seen any advertising for this one, apparently they've got some more important things to be dealing with over there at the moment, that or more likely the budget didn't stretch that far.

Mavka: The Forest Song unsurprisingly tells the story of Mavka a forest nymph who we at first see waking up on the first day of Spring unknowing of how her life is about to change. She is part of the forest people and since an inciting event many years ago the Forest people have set out to protect the forest from the humans who live on the other side of the mountains. Little do they know the humans are actually too scared to enter the forest, also due to the ancient inciting event. That is until one human Lucas whose uncle is dying is offered a handsome reward from a suspicious women which will allow him to afford his dads medicine. All he has to do is go beyond the mountain, find a particular item and return but once there he falls for Mavka.

Despite knowing very little about this film prior to booking my ticket I really enjoyed it, it was the perfect film to start the day. The quality of the animation right from the start is impressive considering this film must have been on a tight budget. The beauty of the forest particularly stands out, from the plants, to the animals to the lighting it's visually stunning. Personally though when we are introduced to both the humans and their village you do start to see the budget start to come into play with the quality of the animation however it's never any worse than mummies that was released earlier in the year by Warner bros. I also don't know how many times the average film uses the fade to black transition but this film used it a lot and towards the end it started to take me out of the film a bit. The characters and narrative are quite generic and you definitely get the feeling that it's something you've seen before. With that being said however the film does a great job of exploring two really important main issues, the more obvious one is the way humans treat animals and how we need to work with eachother and not against. The other is harder to spot and not one kids will probably pick up on but to adults there's clearly some references to the horrific currently ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. The villain for instance has a pair of sidekicks who are clearly supposed to represent Russian invaders going into a foreign land to steal. The message although subtle is one of spreading love not war which is one of the main themes of the film and a message I think we can all get behind at the moment.

Mavka is another enjoyable animation to add to this years already stellar list, animation fans are eating good this year. If Mavka: The Forest Song is showing in a cinema near you then I highly recommend giving it a watch.

Ukrainian magic!

[EugenioKalina · 10/10 · 6 March 2023]

This picture is a work of art in the field of animation. The team worked on the cartoon for about five years, which passed in vain. As a result, we have a quality Ukrainian product that can compete with the outstanding films of famous filmmakers. The voice actors were chosen very well, they seem to live the lives of their animated characters. And it is very nice to know that the basis of such a beautiful cartoon is the literary work of the Ukrainian writer Lesya Ukrainka. I am very happy and very proud that my country has such talented people who can satisfy my aesthetic needs as a film lover.

Despite overly familiar characters, this is still worth a watch.

[paulclaassen · 6/10 · 18 September 2023]

It's been said the film industry seems to be running out of original ideas. I now also believe they are running out of ideas for original animated films AND characters. I've seen several animated movies the past two years that felt a bit stale. Although still a beautiful film with incredible animation, 'Mavka: The Forest Song' unfortunately is one of those that did not have that 'fresh' feeling to it.

Many years ago a sawmill owner from a village went into the Dark Forest looking for a cure for his sick young daughter. The Forest Guardian gave him a drop from the Tree of Life. After his daughter was cured, the owner - along with several villagers - went looking for more, resulting in a battle between the Forest Dwellers and the villagers. The Guardian then banned humans from the forest.

Enter Mavka. She is a nymph - a beautiful, sweet girl with a kind heart, who brings the forest to life at the start of Spring. Enter Kylina. She is the sawmill owner's daughter, and now the film's antagonist who wants to find the Tree of Life for herself. She offers riches to the villagers for going into the Dark Forest, but they are unwilling. Only one man, Lucas - an aspiring musician who needs money for medicine to save his sick uncle Leo - is willing to go.

And so he embarks on a journey into the forest, where he soon meets Mavka. As predicted, romance was sure to blossom for these two characters. As I mentioned, this is a beautiful film with an interesting enough premise - only, none of the characters felt original. I recognized characters from so many other animated films like Snow White, Tangled, Rise of the Guardians, Tinker Bell, and events from live action films like Australia, Twister, Lord of the Rings, to name just a few. And don't tell me that scene where the forest dwellers gather under their sacred Tree of Life doesn't look like an exact replica of a similar scene from Avatar! How many films did you recognize in 'Mavka'?

The film features good humour, and then also very cartoonish humour, and thus dividing the audience between a young and mature demographic. While this is a film young and old can enjoy, adults will most likely deem many of the scenes more suited for kids.

Having said that - and it does sound like I'm criticizing the movie, doesn't it? - this was still worth the watch. It certainly was better than some of the other animated offerings as of late. Its still the kind of movie that will bring parents and kids together for a fun movie night experience.

Nice animation but generic and boring plot.

[yoshirinaakira · 3/10 · 1 July 2023]

Half of the characters are the usual Disney characters, the plot itself will remind you of any Disney movies like tangled. But the animation is nice not much good but its watchable. The characters in feel like carbon copies of the Disney counterparts, lacking the depth and charm that made the originals so memorable. Mavka is a generic Disney princess archetype with little agency, and her animal companions are nothing more than tired clichés. Even the villainous fails to elicit any genuine sense of threat or intrigue, lacking the depth and complexity that could have made her a captivating antagonist.

Overall you can watch this if you dont have anything else to pass time with.

great cartoon for little kids

[ygbndvnkfp · 9/10 · 5 March 2023]

Watched this cartoon in the cinema in Odesa. The impressions are great, beautiful graphics, a wonderful story based on ukrainian legends, cool songs. I really liked how the cartoon characters were drawn, the characters are very beautiful, the scenery is mesmerizing, the nature is incredible! Very funny jokes, several times we couldn't hold back and laughed for the whole hall. It's nice to hear the voices of ukrainian stars. In a word, my daughter was impressed! I recommend watch this cartoon, if you want to have a good time with your child, get aesthetic pleasure and touch to ukrainian legends and folklore.

Waiting for what's to come

[babilunha · 7/10 · 20 March 2023]

I wanted to see a modern Ukrainian animated movie. Instead I got a boring safe copy of an old classical Disney story with a couple of Ukrainian references and caricature of Ukrainian people.

I guess I understand why it was done. The movie is still aiming at the western market, because you can't really make anything for our own market. There are just no people to pay for it, at the moment. It is one of the first ones for a reason.

And if we look at it as one of the first ones ever full animated pictures, then it's okay, sure. That's exactly why the rating is 7 and not 5. I just really want to see what is the next thing. Maybe you should do something myself to show people that we actually can do something cool and original.

Thank you.

nice idea but poor animation

[babakebrahimi-31491 · 2/10 · 30 June 2023]

With all the respect to the good people of Ukraine, This animation wasn't a good one. In my opinion, it seems the story behind the animation is not bad; it certainly has some nice ideas, and even though there was some cliché the general idea was nice, but the animation was not professional; when I checked its rating, I thought we have a professional animation here, but honestly, I was disappointed.

I think it's not good to rate a movie or animation because of some other reason, like the situation of the country or something like that, when I'm checking a movie or animation rating I like to have honest rating based on how good it is, not other factors.

Ukrainian animated film

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 23 September 2023]

Lesh, the guardian of an ancient forest, gives a drop from the Tree of Life to a sawmill owner for curing his critically ill infant daughter. Instead of being grateful, the sawmill owner returns with a whole army to claim the Tree of Life. The army is destroyed and Lesh prevents any more human intrusion into the forest. Years later, forest spirit Mavka befriends human musician Lukas. The late sawmill owner's daughter Kylina intends to take the forest for herself.

This is an Ukrainian animated film based on a 1918 play. The computer animation is not quite cutting edge. It looks better than a TV movie. The writing is familiar and yet a little foreign. It feels like a Disney movie with some wrong translation. It's still interesting. Just a little off-center.

Mavka.The Forest song 25 % by Lesya Ukrainka poem and 75% script fiction. But definitely still very good.

[andriynadozir · 10/10 · 3 March 2023]

Foreign viewers, fans of fantasy, may involuntarily compare this cartoon with Princess Mononoke, but all the responsibility here lies solely with the screenwriters, who probably wanted to add or even replace the depressive texts of the Ukrainian poetess with a more joyful and childlike naivety, where good triumphs over evil, and there is a happy ending at the end of the movie. The cartoon is really high-quality and interesting for both children and adults. I would like to single out interesting secondary characters, such as Frol, Erek and Derek (which are very reminiscent of the Klitschko brothers) , and the forest character Hook, and of course the forest naiads. Musical compositions performed by Dakha Brakha (as well as their cartoon characters), Khrystyna Soloviy and Artem Pyvovarov fit very harmoniously into the feature film. It is very pleasant that animated films based on the works of Ukrainian poets, poetesses,writers began to appear on the big screens.

Old story, not goood animation

[speedghostloveme · 6/10 · 4 July 2023]

The environment of the forest is well-recreated, and the design of the trees is very beautiful. However, there are too many unreasonable details (modern vehicles). The animation is still weak, and the character movement is stiff. Animals in general lack liveliness. The plot is outdated, predictable, and the approach has nothing new.

The female lead character lacks depth, and the male lead lacks decisiveness in important decisions. The importance of the supporting characters is very vague. Even the comedic scenes have no highlights. In general, this is a movie that children can easily watch and understand. However, at the current rating of 7.3 on IMDb, it is clearly overrated. The movie would be fine at a rating of 6 to 6.5. And it will only be suitable for audiences under 13 years old. Above this age, they will easily fall asleep after the first 10 minutes of the movie's duration. Personally, I had to use 2 cups of coffee to keep myself awake. And looking at the current rating, I am really disappointed that objectivity is gradually being lost with this quality of evaluation.

Mesmerizing

[back_er · 10/10 · 4 March 2023]

The production of Mavka took seven years. The cartoon is based on a classic Ukrainian poetic play "The Forest Song'' by Lesya Ukrainka. Having some knowledge of the original material, I was genuinely worried about the quality of the adaptation. I was also hoping that air sirens won't interrupt the experience in the movie theater. This time they didn't.

Although Mavka extensively uses the voice talents of famous Ukrainians, the lip sync immediately hints at international viewers as the primary audience. Some of the jokes, verbal metamorphosis, and specific references will be inevitably lost in translation. But those are minor things here. The story of Mavka touches on the commonly understood themes of love, trust, and the coexistence of two worlds: people and forest creatures. All it takes is two loving hearts, a lot of bravery, and the transformative power of music. The title song by Artem Pivovarov and Khrystyna Soloviy is very compelling, especially if you treat yourself to the Ukrainian version of "Language of the Wind".

Computer-generated imagery of Mavka is top-notch. The landscapes and environments are beautiful. Most of them are on par with big-budget studios. The main characters are well-written and nuanced. Yes, we've seen a lot of mystic trees and cute animals, but the forest bestiary in Mavka never fails to amaze. It is detailed, fun, and creative. The art direction, color palette, and all those runic symbols and elemental attributes are magnificent. The volume of Ukrainian ethnicity is balanced and enriches the overall perception. The script does not disappoint. It manages to hold some unexpected twists and an empathetic emotional punch.

All in all, Mavka is a brilliant family-friendly cartoon. Developed and released during the war, it amplifies the universal virtues required to resist and fight evil. It makes one proud to be a Ukrainian, yet once more.

P. S. Watch the credits roll till the end for a tiny story development.

Mavka: The Forest Song

[CinemaSerf · 6/10 · 6 August 2023]

You can't help but spot the Disney and Pixar influences in this gentle Ukrainian family adventure that pits mankind against the beauty of nature. That beauty is personified by the eponymous forest sprite who, along with her community of mythological and animal creatures lives in fear of encroachment by the ravages of neighbouring human kind. On the other side of the mountain live those very people. The status quo is maintained until the arrival of "Madame" - in search of a leaf that may bestow immortality. She offers a great prize to anyone prepared to cross the hills and find it. Meantime, the young "Lucas" has some familiarity with their neighbouring realm and, so in need of the money, he sets off and, well what follows now is a combination of romance and a brutal illustration of just how cavalier mankind can be when nature gets it it's way - peppered with some comedy slapstick largely provided by the would-be fashionista "Frol". The animation is delicately drawn - apparently there is no tech used here - and the characterisations gently convey a message of love, loyalty and the flaws and strengths of human nature. It's even got the odd power ballad to give Edina Menzel a run for her money and though you probably won't remember this for long, it's an enjoyable - if a bit too long - watch with a message for everyone.

Very old story. Weird design. Predictable and cliche.

[lehoan-77520 · 1/10 · 1 July 2023]

Just like the title says. The character designs are weird, some very thin, long legs and long hands and the animation is bad. Too many colors are used everywhere trying to make it "magical" but only makes it fake. There environment is also very fake.

The story is predictable, there are tons have been told with better telling techniques. It is cliche from the start to finish. The dialogs are lame like they are written by 3 year old kid. For example "you have to believe in yourself and let the music show the way".

Overall very bad experience. I would not recommend to anyone and only wish to get back the time i spent on this.

My expectations were high, but this exceeded even them

[vanish73 · 9/10 · 10 March 2023]

As a Ukrainian, I have seen many bad films and cartoons, and it was hard for me to leave the cinema every time after watching some bs. It was like that every time. Till this moment.

Beautiful. Funny. Positive. Instructive.

That's all about this cartoon.

This is a very very Ukrainian cartoon based on the work of a Ukrainian writer, and it is amazing to see the culture of your country in such a high-quality film.

I was amazed that in Ukraine they were able to create such a masterpiece. Really. Without such budgets as in Disney, without such specialists, but it is clear that it is made with soul. And even with the smaller capabilities, it still looks great.

You can learn something about the culture of Ukraine, and if you don't care about that - you'll just have a good time with a very... unusual but good cartoon. Even if you are 3 years old, even if you are 33.

Isn't it too stereotype

[mozhdehkh · 1/10 · 6 September 2023]

I think these types of animations are overrated!!

Love saving everything, the princess that needs a prince to help her with her kingdom??

I would never let my daughter see these stuff and believe that she can be fooled by a guy just in the hope that one day love will save her life...!!

Also Human has always ruined jugles and everything, our musical instruments are made with woods and I'm not sure the nature appreciates it.

Anyway it's too stereotype and it has a weak movie plot, It wasn't worthy of my time.

The story exactly like all the old animations but it's weaker than them.

How can a strong person with all those powers be so fool and selfish? Just because she loves the boy she puts everyone in such danger just because she's a girl she has to be so foolishly kind?

Amazing cartoon

[bettercallsoul · 10/10 · 20 March 2023]

This is just amazing cartoon. Combined with admiring picture and beutiful songs, interesting characters.

The story based on ethnic book with some changes (as this is for kids first of all). But even lf you dont know the original story this is does not mean it's something bad, its just different (and you don't know it).

I would like to notice also two beutiful songs which you can hear in the cartoon. I dont know who wrote them but they are really good and pleasant to hear again and again.

The quality of the hair detalization of main character is also has high level. It was just perfect.

If summarize - the cartoor is worth the time you spend, espesially if you have kids.

Ukrainian Fern Gully

[lunarrainbowpro · 3/10 · 3 July 2023]

It very disappointing to see another adaptation of one of the most classic animations, Fern Gully, and it gets absolutely zero credit for creating such a beautiful story that it spawn several great films. Diane Yound created the Magical Forrest that must be protected from evil men that seek to destroy it. This premise has been used several times and a lot of people made a lot of money for her creative book ( I'm looking at you Avatar) but never give the adaptive credit back to the original source. Shameful! On a sidenote, there are several reviews that refer to the animation as a cartoon. A cartoon is very short and very old. Those individual reviews are from a source that is not a fan of animation.

Ukrainian Myth Come True

[yevheniyav · 10/10 · 7 April 2023]

I am fascinated with Mavka. It's a marvellous fairy-tale based on the Lesya Ukrainka's drama she wrote about her motherland being far away. Wonderful Ukrainian costumes, genuine dances and heartful singing. Beautiful Volyn wildwoods, virgin nature and magical willow. The cartoon is rich in symbolism. It is philosophical. It addresses the issues of human influence on nature, female leadership, struggle of good and evil, vital role of emotions. I am enchanted by the depicted nature, green landscapes, one hundred forests, lakes and ways of this strong and proud region of Volyn. It's big tourist attraction. Highly recommended film! The Ukrainian myth come true! Still now.

FUD

[furchakdp · 10/10 · 5 April 2023]

"Mavka" is an enchanting Ukrainian animated film that transports you to a world of magic, mystery, and folklore. The animation is stunning, with vivid colors and intricate details that bring the characters and landscapes to life. The story is both poignant and uplifting, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the importance of preserving nature. The voice acting is also superb, with each actor bringing a unique depth and personality to their character. Overall, "Mavka" is a beautiful testament to Ukrainian culture and storytelling, and a must-watch for fans of animated films and folk tales alike.

Falls Short In Too Many Areas

[jsylvano · 5/10 · 10 April 2024]

I can't look past how much the animation and art style detract from everything else. The color saturation and exposure are dialed up to acid trip levels, every scene is eye-wateringly bright, garish and shiny, while the 3D animation itself looks a little unfinished. While some of the mythological creatures have interesting designs, all the female characters including the dryads, nyads, etc, were apparently modeled based on Bratz dolls.

The story itself is a nice enough retelling of the poetic play, and is a very kid-friendly adaptation, and the music is enjoyable, especially the Ukrainian folk ensemble. I watched it with my 4 y/o daughter who was able to follow along and particularly enjoyed the 2D animated segments that reveal the history of the forest. These segments are gorgeous and are where the film really shines. Her interest lagged during any scene with the villain, and I would attest that they are quite boring and don't do much to advance the plot.

Overall, younger girls would be entertained by this film for an afternoon and the music is great, but I can't see many people having a repeat viewing.