Sekai meisaku dôwa: Hakuchô no mizûmi

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 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.

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

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!

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 !