A Pequena Ninfa do Mar

One more wonderful "Barrandov Movie". Back in USSR we used to watch anything, that came from "Barrandov Studios", especially children movies. This one matches the great standards they had in Czechoslovaky at 60-70-80s. Maybe too many "blank spaces", where they just show the sky or sea, but generally, beautiful scenery, nice costumes and the very best actors of the genre make this move one of the best filming of Andersen's "Little Mermaid".

This is one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen. The sets and costumes for the world under the sea are dressed in blue and pale green and the world above in crimson and russet. The Sea People don't have tails due to 70's special effects limitations, so slow motion is used to represent movement underwater. This results in a dream-like vision of the mer-people's world. It's by far the most faithful adaptation of Hans Anderson's tale of painful unrequited love. If you're only aware of the jolly (and yet delightful) Disney version, be aware that this one is heart-breaking and quite haunting. There is definitely an English version out there (The German and Czech versions have released on DVD). I can remember it being shown in English on BBC1 around 1976/7. I do hope they release that version also. This is a true unsung classic and deserves to be seen by a wider audience.

I discovered this film by mere casualty. I was surprised to know there was this adaptation of the story who definitely correspond better w the original tale. How precious is to find these lost gems. Nice decor and beautiful way of storytelling

I think the little mermaid is the most tragic and sad lovestory in world literature. Forget disney, thats not hans christian andersons tale especially not what he ment to tell us. It's about unforfilled love. The sacrifice you are willing to make for the one you love. Alienation, loosing your voice and ultimately giving your own life for a greater good. This adaption is haunting and melancholic. The only downside is that the mermaid doesn't have a tail (well no cgi back then) but it may look odd when its about a mermaid becoming a human with legs, when she had them before, but they tried the best with those long blue ropes simulating the mer people. The main actress is simply stunningly beautiful and she's a redhead, even before disney she was ;-) Music adds up perfectly to the melancholy and the overall production is rich for a 70s czech production, like all their farytalemovies (three wishes for cinderella, sleeping beauty and others). I just saw the life action disney version. Worlds apart. You cant even compare cause its not the same story. Go watch this one!

Forget everything you may have seen regarding the "Little Mermaid". This movie is by far the best adaptation of the story. We all know more or less the story but there is some magic in this film, the way Kachyna used the colors (mostly blue).The main actress is just amazing and her submarine kingdom is beautiful. One word to describe this movie: MAGIC