Kashtanka

'Kashtanka' (1952)

Opening thoughts: There were two reasons for wanting to see 'Kashtanka'. One was that it was made by Soyumultfilm. When it comes to Russian/Soviet animation, it doesn't get much better than Soyuzmultfilm, a studio that quickly became a personal favourite for nearly a decade. Their best work is visually stunning and have stories that are charming, imaginative and full of atmosphere with some memorable characters and when adapted enhanced by the visuals and often the music as well.

'Kashtanka's' other interest point was that it was based on a story by Anton Chekhov of 'The Cherry Orchard' and 'Uncle Vanya' fame, one that like 'Story of the Bass Cello' is one of his most accessible. 'Kashtanka' adapts the story wonderfully, it doesn't deviate too much while also being unmistakably Soyuzmultfilm in a good way. It is also wonderful in its own right, even if it is not one of the studio's best. It really is well worth seeing, and not just by Russians or those that speak Russian (studied it myself on my vocal and operatic studies course, and while it is a difficult language to get your head around it is a lovely language), but to a much wider audience worldwide and anybody that loves animation (like me) should seriously consider seeing it.

Bad things: Did find the ending on the rushed side, but that is the fault of the story itself (though the adaptation could have solved the problem quite easily). Something that has been a common criticism of it despite its mostly positive critical reception.

Good things: Everything else is fantastic. The animation can't be faulted. It is rich in colour and is filled with atmosphere and the drawing and designs are expressive, but it is the landscapes that are the star with the colour and attention to detail rich and meticulous throughout. Also found the music beautifully done. The lushness of the orchestration and atmosphere created is so unmistakably Russian in the best of ways.

Furthermore, the storytelling is very sweet without being sickly, and is also very moving and charming. The latter stages are moving. The characters are interesting, very endearing and easy to relate to, they are not the complex characters that Chekhov is known for but it is not that type of story.

Closing thoughts: Overall, wonderful.

9/10.

This short animation is based on the Anton Chekhov short story of the same name, that tells the story of the eponymous dog. Kashtanka is owned by a poor, drunken carpenter and his son. The carpenter treats Kashtanka meanly and doesn't feed him well, but the son is playful with him. When Kashtanka gets lost one day, he is adopted by a stranger who trains performing animals. Eventually Kashtanka is trained to perform in the circus, but while he is now better fed, he does not seem comfortable with this new life.

The quality of the animation here ia quite good, if dated, with a focus on realism over 'cuteness'. The story is somewhat bleak, but with a hopeful undertone. Probably not cute or joyful enough for a modern child audience, but its more complex themes might hold interest. An intriguing film and insight into Russian literature and animation.