Sekai meisaku dôwa: Hakuchô no mizûmi

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

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 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.

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.

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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.