The art direction and production design in the movie is really quite fetching. The physical film that was accordingly used to shoot 'The stone flower' resulted in rich, vibrant colors that allow every little trait to pop out brilliantly. Wonderful attention to hair, makeup, costume design, and set design and decoration, and every nuance of the cast's performances, is realized with inspiring vividness. Moreover, director Aleksandr Ptushko demonstrates a keen eye for arranging some fine shots, solid camerawork, and good care for lighting. And these are only just the visual aspects of what is an engaging, charming interpretation of a folk tale.
All the assembled actors put on fine displays of their skills to bring the picture to life, with Vladimir Druzhnikov especially notable as protagonist Danilo - believably portraying the young man's resolve, and obsession. Yet to discuss such facets at greater length seems unimportant when above all they serve simply as a component of the whole. It's the writing and direction that makes 'The stone flower' the entertaining classic that it is. Characters generally aren't written with especial depth, but like the acting, they work to complete the tableau. So it is too with the dialogue, very much feeling like the living communication of the sort of story that would be passed down over years - in no few ways a fable about the folly of pride, and ambition. And with that said, the fantastical scene writing and overall narrative are the greatest treasures here: terrifically entrancing, flush with detail and careful consideration, and enriching the entirety of the feature in their excellence. Druzhnikov matches the grand screenplay with adept focus and dexterity, tying the picture together with marvelous, expert finesse.
Factor in winsome set pieces, modest but suitable special effects - on par with any of the era - and gratifying instances of deftly arranged song and dance, and 'The stone flower' quite feels like it could be an early live-action production of Walt Disney's imagination. It's superb in its craft, and pleasantly endearing - really just an all-around lovely slice of cinema. If I have any specific criticism to make, it may perhaps be that the pacing struggles early on to find its footing. Yet for as splendidly well as the film is made, what slight deficiencies do crop up are negligible, and not truly significant. This is a magically, quietly engrossing movie, appropriate for all ages, that I think is surely very enjoyable for any viewer receptive to the type of story that it relates. I'd have no qualms recommending this to just about anyone - 'The stone flower' is a lot more fun, satisfying, and even rewarding than I thought it was going to be, and this is well worth checking out if you have the opportunity!
