That 'Skazka Skazyvaetsya' (or 'The Tale is Told' in English) was directed by Ivan Aksenchuk immediately drew me in, this is my fourth film seen of his. The others being his takes on 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Cinderella', both exquisite, and 'Plus Electrification' (review upcoming), which really wasn't my cup of tea. Any story that has the characters of Vasilisa the Beautiful and Kaschey the Immortal, very famous Soviet folklore characters, also is a selling point. Likewise with my love of Soyuzmultfilm.
'Skazka Skazyvaetsya'/'The Tale is Told' was wonderful in my view and among Aksenchuk's best. Not quite on the same level as 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Cinderella', close though, but better than 'Plus Electrification?' Oh yes, no question about it. Soyuzmultfilm don't disappoint, disappointments were very few with them and when they weren't so good it was namely down to the type of story, and neither do the animation style or what is done with the characters.
Many things work. Loved the animation style, have seen it a few times before with Soyuzmultfilm and it always looks great. It's pretty much cut out-like characters against tapestry painting-style backgrounds and it looks lovely. The backgrounds are beautifully detailed and colourful and the visuals shine particularly with Vasilisa and the climax. The music has an unmistakably Russian sound, at times folksy and then more foreboding when necessary. The opening theme is very relaxing.
Writing is neither too simple or too complicated, written in a way equivalent of a bedtime story or when children in a group gather around a respected storyteller. The story charms, enchants and entertains, with touches of creepiness with the character of Kaschey and the climax.
Loved the characters, with the leads not bland and quite charming, the servant amuses and is likeable and while there are more interesting versions of Kaschey he is still suitably sinister here. The vocal work has vitality without being too theatrical.
Overall, wonderful. 10/10.
