Mariya-iskusnitsa

This film just blew me away and I didn't even have English subtitles or dubbing on the copy that I viewed. It was all Russian, and I don't speak a lick of it! It didn't matter. The language barrier couldn't stop me from seeing it's greatness. The music and song and dance numbers are very fun, bizarre, and compelling. This is maybe the most colorful and bizarre movie I have ever seen. The miniature girl dance sequence and the song and dance sequence near the end of the film with the main under-water kingdom guy with all the hair is bouncing his butt on the stairs, well that whole sequence and the other one I mentioned are just brilliant and beautiful. I'm really loving these films by Alexander Rou as well as Alexander Ptushko's films.

Have always loved a lot of fantasy, the best of them captivated, enthralled and enchanted me as a child and as a young adult, even more so with some with appreciating aspects more and noticing things, big and little, not noticed when younger. This has been something that has been common in a lot of childhood favourite re-watches. Also love foreign cinema, have been seeing even more of it with a broader knowledge of it and the knowledge is continuing to broaden even more.

Remembered with great fondness being on a roll watching many Russian fantasies and animations five years ago, out of interest and nostalgia, and decided to do it again with a little more time on my hands and being in the midst of a calming down period. My experience of Russian fantasy and animation has been one of great pleasure with so many gems and 'The Magic Weaver' was another Russian fantasy film to bring all of those fond memories back. Not one of my absolute favourites of all the Russian fantasies but only because of the high quality of so many to count.

'The Magic Weaver' is well made visually and has held up well, or so to me it has. The scenery made me pine for a trip to Russia, and the production design for the underwater kingdom really enchants. The settings are the very meaning of wondrous, enhanced further by photography that is never too flashy or overblown nor simplistic or static. The special effects are not overused or abused and do have a magical charm, don't think they've dated at all. The music and songs are atmospheric, whimsical and infectious, as well as appealing to listen to and not detracting at all from what's happening.

Also highly successful is the writing and storytelling. The writing is the kind that made me laugh, cry and probe thought. There are also political elements but they didn't feel out of place or heavy-handed. The story has a sense of wonder and has a lot of heart and charm, moving swiftly and never feeling tiresome. There is a bizarre strangeness present but it actually added to the charm

Characters are always engaging and ones worth caring for and while the acting is slightly theatrical but also very spirited.

In conclusion, magical. 10/10 Bethany Cox