Die lila Kugel

I acquired the tape to this Russian children's adventure a few months ago in part became I am translating the author's stories. Alice is the Harry Potter of Russian literature, with about a dozen books out since 1967. Three of them, this, 'Gost'ya is budushchego,' and 'Taina tret'ej planety' have been filmed or animated. There are some differences. Characters have been condensed to compact the story. The character of Gromozeka, the space archaeologist, has, in the books, tentacles, seven eyes arranged on his head in a fan, and an insatiable thirst for valerian drops. In this film he was portrayed by a human actor (who also appeared in 'Gost'ta...') and resembles the cowardly lion. Pavel Arsonov, who died some years ago, also filmed "Volshchebnik izimrudnogo goroda," or the "Wizard of the Emerald City," from the famous Russian children's tale.

LILAC BALL is an odd little Russian fantasy story that has much in common with STAR WARS or perhaps SPACEBALLS given the year. It's based on a long-running book series about the character Alice, an intrepid space exploring kid. In this one she meets a 'space archaeologist' with three arms who tells the tale of a 'rage virus' so virulent that it destroys the entire population of planets. Turns out the virus has been left on Earth thousands of years ago, so with a nifty bit of time travel our characters have to go back and save mankind. Odd stuff for sure, lots of cheap FX and weird bird creatures that reminded me of Jim Henson creations at times, and very Russian.

This would be a gorgeous fairytale for those who already seen Guest from the Future. Another Alisa's space adventure and a great gift for Natalya Guseva fans. Vyacheslav Nevinny former space pirate this time plays Gromozeka. Exciting family movie mostly for younger ages with an original idea of why wars and struggle among humans exist. Maybe some of visual effects look questionable and outdated but I enjoyed actors, music and the storyline. Kir Bulychev created Alisa - the most attractive science fiction character for children in USSR. The stories of Alisa are published as books. Enjoyable film can be recommended for family viewing