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Although the animation is very poor, the script is quite good and the drawings are very imaginative. It´s a fairy tale like any other; a prince and a cursed princess fall in love, but their love is impossible.

I especially liked that wonderful soundtrack from Piotr Tchaickovsky´s "Swan Lake", an extraordinary waltz that provides the perfect mood for the movie. The screenplay is better than in most Japaneese animated features, and you´ll think it´s one of the movies your children should see. Very good film.

I grew up loving the immortal, timeless story of "Swan Lake" and I still love it to this day. I also adore the ballet by Tchaikovsky, that is just as magical and as enchanting as the story it is based upon. Then there are two movie versions that I saw, one was the 1994 film "The Swan Princess" by Richard Rich, while charming and a childhood favourite it isn't the Swan Lake that I love. Then there is this 1981 anime, which follows the story more closely while putting its own spin on it. The result is a beautiful, captivating and heartfelt film, that while it has its minor fault is definitely better than "Swan Princess".

I really do need to mention the beautiful artwork of "Swan Lake". This film, like Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" (also based upon the fairytale and another one of Tchaikovsky's ballets) does have a gorgeous stylised look, with convincing character features, breathtaking background art and lavish colours. There are stunning images of Odette in swan and human form and the haunting images of Rothbart's castle. In regards to the lip-synching, it was good in most parts but there were other parts where it was sloppy. While Odette's monologue about where she came from and how she came to meet Rothbart was beautifully written and sad, the lip synching was a lot of the time behind the speaking so it was a little distracting.

Tchaikovsky's music as always is absolutely outstanding, I heartily concur with the reviewer who said that it is the heart and soul of the film,for me it is by far the best asset of the film, and the main reason why I wanted to see it. Of course it is quite melancholy, but it is also enchanting, charming and haunting. So many standouts, including the adorable Dance of the Baby Swans, the heart-rending finale and the beautiful and haunting Pas De Deux(here done as Siegfried following Odette in a very effective scene). But I would also like to give special mention to the music accompanying the scene where Siegfried meets Odette for the first time in swan form, it is so gorgeous and really adds to the atmosphere.

I have already said how good the story is, and I also thought the dialogue was not at all bad. I particularly loved Odile calling Siegfried "a dreamboat on wheels", and Rothbart's dialogue in the climax is delicious. It avoided being clichéd which was gratifying, as much as I like "Swan Princess" some of the dialogue is clichéd there.

I also love the characters, and the voice acting was strong. The Media Home Video dubbing is indeed awful, but the one I am more familiar with and much prefer is the Samuel Goldwyn Co. one. This is more superior, because it suits the dark, enchanting and sombre tone of the film better. Christopher Atkins is appealing as Siegfried, and portrays him as handsome, headstrong and somewhat naive. Odette isn't the feisty and vivacious woman she is in "Swan Princess", instead she is beautiful and pure yet fragile and delicate. Pam Dawber brought some vulnerability into Odette, and it worked wonders. Kay Lenz is brilliant as Odile, who is possibly my favourite character, because she is so cool and seductive. And David Hemmings positively relishes the role of Rothbart; instead of the really sinister and imposing villain he is in the ballet or the threatening yet humorous one he is in "Swan Princess" he is a bit of both here. His climax scene see him at his most frightening, and his scenes with Odile, which accentuates his flaws as awkward and reluctant to hurt Odette because he does genuinely love her border on hysterical. Then there are the squirrels Hans and Margherita, who are both engaging and don't interrupt the flow of the story too much.

In conclusion, this is a brilliant anime, that I recommend strongly. If you love anime or if you love the music of Tchaikovsky, I promise you are in for a treat! 9.5/10 Bethany Cox

I saw this anime in 1992 in Swedish when I was 8 years old. Now I am 20 and I bought this on ebay last year (2003) and I really enjoyed watching it again. Now I am watching it in English but that is OK because I understand the language.

One day i decided to buy this anime film but it was difficult to find in Sweden so I checked on ebay and there it was so I bid on it and finally I had won the item. I was very pleased about it because now I was going to see Swan Lake again for the first time since 1992.

The film was released from Japan in 1982 but I was not born at that time, only 2 years later I was born and had no clue about this film until 1992 when I was 8.

Swan Lake is about Prince Siegfried and a mysterious Swan who is reallu an enchanted princess called Odette. Odette is hold captive by an evil wizard called Rothbard and his daughter Odile. Siegfried and Odette falls in love but Rothbart has asked Odette to be his wife but she refuses because there is only one man in her heart, Siegfried. So one day there is a ball at Siegfrieds castle and he vows Odette to be his wife. Although there is one problem, Odile and Rothbart knows about this and Odette is locked up in the tower. But two squirrels helps her to escape, Hans and Margarita. Siegfried discovers he has been fooled and follows Odette to the castle. There he and Rothbart fight and finally Rothbart and Odile are defeated with true love. And Odette and Siegfried live happily ever after.

Swan Lake is one of the most beautiful anime movies ever made. It's really romantic and the music (by Tchaikovski of course!) fits perfectly to the whole story. The animation is not THAT poor. Consider that it was released in 1978 they did a marvellous work. And the theme of "true love" is presented in the most beautiful and wonderful way! Definitely a movie everyone should see including your kids. This is the way cartoons have to be.

This is my childhood favorite ! I haven't seen it for so long... There are 2 set of English dubs, the 2nd celebrities dub is the less good in my opinion.

The music fits so well with the story line, and the squirrels are so cute, you feel true, strong emotions from all the characters.

Many of us who so it as childes are not able to forget it and looking for it ever since, to be able to let our kids enjoy it on their turn.

here is a fan site that might be useful- http://www.pireze.org/blog/?p=129

Cheers !

I used to watch this as a child. I have not been able to find it ever since. I don't think I have seen this movie in at least 10 years. I just remember that I loved it, and the music is amazing. This movie is what made me become interested in music such as Tchaikovsky. I have recently seen clips of it on YouTube.com and it made my day. I hope to find this movie on DVD someday. I believe you might be able to find it on eBay, but I'm not sure. But anyway, this is a true anime masterpiece. The only thing about it that always bothered me is that Siegfried's voice sounds so young! And Odette's voice sounds so much older than Siegfried. But oh well. I have heard a different English dubbing and I definitely like this one better. So if you really enjoy good music, good stories, and good anime, you will love this movie.

What can I say. I feel I'm very lucky that finally, after over 15 years since I last saw this movie, I can get to watch it over and over and over again and as often as I want because I have it now in my collection! Thanks to e-bay and its terrific sellers that, finally, I got it! I loved it then and I loved it now. There's simply nothing like it. Though the animation may be a little "un-high-tech" compared to what we have now, nothing matches the beauty of the story, the enchanting music of Peter Tchaikovsky, the dialogue and the way it was executed, everything.. It's only a little over an hour but it surely captured the essence of Swan Lake.

It's simple yet it's GREAT!!! It's worth having a copy to pass on to generations for them to enjoy this magical story as well. It would be a waste if children of tomorrow would miss something like this. My advice is, get yourselves a copy, for sure, you won't regret it.

This is by far one of the best anime's to come out of Japan in the early 80's. Forget the fact that it cam out the year I was born, the music and animation are top. The story is based on the ballet (the title gives it that out) but two new characters are added in. It's safe to say that this is indeed a work of art.

I have to say that, as a child, I loved this movie. I found it absolutely spell-binding and was even known to watch it several times a week. As an adult fan of anime, though, watching it becomes a very different experience.

The dubbing in this was very bad. In fact, the dubbing was down-and-out terrible. It's not exactly the story ballet-enthusiasts are accustomed to seeing, either. Still, there are a lot of charming additions to the story, and most of the changes were probably just to make it a little bit more child-friendly. There is an extremely cute little sub-plot involving the relationship between two squirrels; and, quite frankly, Tchaikovsky's music is set to animation absolutely beautifully. If I were to see this movie in the original Japanese, and had they left the ending the way it is in the more traditional tellings, I would probably rate this an absolute masterpiece. It is still VERY enjoyable for children, though, or anyone who loved the story as a child. I would also say it is a must-watch for anyone interested in anime from the 1980s, when the industry was relatively new to American audiences and it really didn't get a whole lot better than this.

If I saw the movie for the first time today, I'd probably rate it around a 6.5 or a 7. If you'd asked the little girl I was 15 years ago, she would have definitely told you it was a 9. :)

This is truly a classic piece of anime... it's so wonderful, charming and fun and the best part is that the music of tchaikovski remains with you after you watch the film and you really end up appreciating it... wonderful animation and style... though do not expect it to be modern and as refined as any of today's computer generated animation.... All in all it gets a 10 from me... i even bought one at ebay... finally after searching for so long!! have fun watching this film it is truly for all ages.

I saw SWAN LAKE when I was about 9-10 years old, and never forgot the effect it had on me, which was, in a word, magical.

I recall the adults around me at the time being rather dismissive of it, so, decades later I decided to watch it again and compare it to how it would affect me as an adult.

The story, based on the original libretto for Tchaikovsky's synonymous ballet, is put together well. The animation is recognizably in the style of Japanese animes of the time, yet betrays influences from Disney. The music of Tchaikovsky contributes a great deal to the atmosphere, even if there seem to be quite a few synchronization problems.

There are apparently two English versions, one with name actors and another. It appears I watched the second one, and except for that of the villain Rothbart, the dubbing was not very good.

Having watched this as an adult, I must admit that it did not invoke the same magical feelings in me as the first time. I watched it as a kid in German, so I am not sure whether the inferior English dubbing of the version I saw had an influence on the difference in perception.

It is still a good anime and an enjoyable watch, but for children it may be an experience at a whole different level.

I am thrilled to find one of my all-time favorite pieces of anime! This is an excellent education in the story and music of "Swan Lake" for those with short attention spans and/or an adversity to ballet/orchestral music. After all, we're talking about one of the fundamentals of Western cultural literacy. This movie tells the story with all of the adventure of anime while incorporating the rich historical feel of the piece as well as the breathtaking score. I remember back when I first saw this, my mother, who is a musician and music teacher, watched it with me and went on for days about how wonderful it was as a means of introducing new generations to "Swan Lake". True!

I saw this when I was in grade school in China. I don't even remember what language it was when I first saw it, probably Chinese. And it has been at least 15 years until I saw it again in the US. I didn't even think it was possible to get a copy of it to watch but to my surprise this chain video store in my area TLA has it so I rented it. It is of course a beautifully done animation, not bad considering it is quiet old. People who think the animation quality is poor is comparing it to today's animation, but it really isn't fair to do that if you take in the fact that it is so old. I love the music, it is one of the reasons I remembered this animation so well. and because of this animation, I fell in love with the music of Swan Lake. I didn't give it 9 or 10 stars is because the English dubbing is terrible. I know it is old and maybe back then it is the standard, but still it would be better if they don't dub it and just have subtitle. Well I love this piece, and in recent years there has not been many animation that has surpassed it other than things like spirited away or the Incredibles etc. But I love this animation and I always will as it not only reminds me of my childhood, it relaxes your body and mind as you listen to its beautiful music and see how love is born.

I happened to catch this on television a few weeks ago and have since been trying to find a copy of it or any info! It is the sweetest and most moving animated movie I have ever seen! The animation is wonderful Japanese anime and the movie (from what I've read about Swan Lake) follows the story very closely. I'd highly recommend this movie to everyone if you ever get the rare chance to find it - and if you do let me know where you did!

I have found the denfenition of a guilty pleasure. And Swan Lake is it. I got this movie when I was little. And I hadn't watched it in ten years when I was bored out of my mind one day, found it and watched it. I was very suprised. I love this movie. The score is beautiful and amazing as always, and it compelled me to purchase the album. The amimation may be a little shotty, but none the less I love the movie.

The film may not end the way the ballet intended, but it is still beautifully animated (in reference to the time it was made) and magnificently told. The voice acting is of a quality rarely seen in animated films, the music fits perfectly... even when adding in cute asides, like the Dance of the Baby Swans! Forget Disney's "Swan Princess" - if you can find it, please treat yourself and watch this movie instead!

I love this movie, and so does my neighborhood gang of girls. We're near the end of college, if not done with it altogether, and we still enjoy watching this graceful adaptation of Tchaikovsky's ballet. Swan Lake also has memorable quirks (ok, faults) - It would be kind of nice if Siegfried, Mr. Hero, did not look and sound so effeminate. Is Odette's crown superglue to her head or does it symbolize her situation? How about Margerita's treatment of her poor, long-suffering suitor? Should that count as a form of cruelty? But that it was made in 1982 is an even greater testimony to the producer and animators' skill. It is classier and often even better than a lot of the anime produced today.

I first viewed this anime when I was around 9 years old. Of course, I saw it in English. I am now 19, and viewing it again, I find that this movie hasn't lost most of its charm.

A big plus in this film is how the original music from the ballet is integrated into the action going on-screen. This film actually introduced me to the music of Peter Tchaikovsky.

Aside from the music, I loved how the 6 main characters interacted with each other.

First, there are the two main leads, The Swan Princess herself, Odette, and Sigfried. You truly believe that these two are in love with each other. Odette also is not your typical damsel in distress, yet she's also not a tomboy. She's elegant throughout the whole movie while at the same time remaining the strong woman she is. The Prince grows through out the movie very subtly. The evil Wizard and his daughter are the total opposite of our two heroes. The Wizard Rothbart is very powerful, but appears to weaken while in the presence of Odette, whereas Sigfried seems to be more mature in the presence of Odette. The Wizard's daughter, Odelle, is very much like Odette in the way that they are both elegant. The differences start where Odelle is more provocative and sneakier than Odette. Her affection for the prince is also left up for interpretation.

Finally, the movie has added in two cute squirrels into this love story. They add much to the story, although I believe commentary on the drama that unfolds before them is most likely so the target audience, young children, will not get lost in all the twists and turns the movie goes through. They are a nice addition.

In conclusion, this is a really good movie to watch with your kids. A lot of heart was put into this movie and much is to be enjoyed while watching this movie.

http://neonboy619.blogspot.com

That's one thing I really enjoyed about this adaptation of the famous folk tale of Swan Lake. Its use of the music from the ballet was very welcomed as it is from one of my favorite composers.

The main characters while not overly complex still add enough charisma and elegance to their roles. It's both a fairy tale and only lasts abot 75 minutes after all so what they did was very good. But the biggest praise abot the performances goes to the villains, Rothbart and Odile who both ooze of cunning and eccentric personality with Rothbart adding some morbid fun into the role while still maintaining a threatening presence.

Some of the animal sidekicks can be a little annoying and may have had a little too much screen time, but the good things abot th movie outweighs that little dud. Animated beautifully, scored beautifully and acted very well with a lot of effort put into the crucial scens which are known to everyone familiar with the story, this anime is a very good adaptation of this immortal tale.

Tchaikovsky's famous work comes to life in this Japanese animated production that manages to respect its source of origin and offer a fantastic love story with the classicism and elegance of the original composition. There is no need to talk about the animation because it is very evident that this is a wonderful animated film. The plot manages to correctly capture the love story between Siegfried and Odette. Realistically, this could be considered the first film adaptation of the famous musical work. They did the right thing in not only using fragments of Tchaikovsky's music, but in creating a soundtrack that draws a lot of inspiration from said composer's music. Hakuchô no mizûmi is another gem of Japanese animation without a doubt, but it is more than anything a film that deserves a place alongside Swan Princess and Black Swan for being the first to bring the complete story of Swan Lake to life. Big screen thanks to the art of anime. My final rating for this movie is a 9/10.

this movie was one of my most favourite movies as a child. sadly i haven't seen it in many years and can not find a copy of it even though i have been looking for a long time. someone should really put this on dvd it was beautifully done and quite a wonderful story. ...if by any chance anyone does know where to get a copy please contact me? thanks thanks.

In September last year I had a lot of luck. I checked on ebay and there it was Swan Lake so i bid on the item and finally I had won it. And the film was sent to me only a week after thanks to a fast money order. I was very amazed after seeing this film again. It was good and romantic and beautiful. If I am bored I can just watch Swan Lake to forget about why I am bored. Swan Lake is truly a very amusing anime.

I was 19 when I bought Swan Lake at ebay last year. And it was about 13 years ago I last saw it but then it was in Swedish. Now this is in English and i understand it very well so that is not a problem.

Swan Lake or "Svansjön" as it is called in Swedish was very rare to find and I had almost given up the hope about it until I saw it on ebay. I am so glad that I can watch it over and over again without getting bored.

The plot is very well done and easy to follow and the main characters a also very beautiful. Swan Lake is about prince Siegfried who is looking for a future bride to be queen when he becomes king. I am so thankful I finally bought Swan Lake because it wasn't easy to find. And finally I found it. This is my favourite film so I can only say: Swan Lake is the greatest anime ever made.