Krepost

I say "unexpectedly" because I have to admit, "The Melnitsa" animation studio has been disappointing lately.

Apparently, the people from the studio themselves also felt this, and one of their latest cartoons turned out to be completely different.

Perhaps, "Fortress" can even be called a military-patriotic cartoon, since from the very beginning the message "I want to create a homeland", is put into the heart and soul of the young orphan Sashka. The protagonist's hardships definitely evoke sympathy and emotion.

The cartoon is quite patriotic, but it's not done in a generic cheesy way.

And in general, this story is still quite captivating even without any patriotic elements. There are interesting character arcs, a cool detective story about a spy and a somewhat harsh but vital truth about the horrors of war. It's got something for everyone, no matter whether you're an adult or a child.

I decided to watch it only due to my curiosity because I lived my whole life in Smolensk (where action takes place).

It's normal, that fable should not be 100 % historically correct. But, not the way they did it, truth just turned inside out. And in the end there is storyteller voice that narrates future events like it all was complete truth. Unfortunately, can't give examples from story because it would be spoilers.

In the rest: they portray fortress like it looks now, not like it should look four centuries back (it indicates level of laziness and incompetence of creators); city is definitely not even close to what should looks like Smolensk that times. Second, instead of moving to reconciliation with polands, movie portrays Sigismund III, king of Polish–Lithuanian (Lithuanian. Hey, creators!) Commonwealth, like a retard. Shame. However, polands do such things too (for example, Katyn movie is a silly profanation. No, I don't try to deny war crimes of SU). It's just a pity, both russians and polands continue to do same stuff in order to make each other look like bad guys. Yes, I agree with fact propaganda is have to be, but it should be healthy, patriotic, not to breed hate amongst nations.

And the most sad thing this politic s*** pours out onto children heads.

Could be a great family movie, because visuals are quite good.

I have watched this movie a solid 2 times now. First time I did I did not have subtitles so it was utter insanity. Afterwards I did watch it with subtitles and with a friend who does understand russian and it was still insanity.

The animation is good at times and the backgrounds are gorgeous but the music ruins every single scene. It's composed masterfully yes, but used in the worst of ways.

There is so much I could complain about but frankly it is just such a strange piece of obvious propaganda it's almost not worth it.

Also apart from the catholic priest, the polish were literally the most likeable characters. Mostly because they were the only characters who showed actual human emotions.

I'm giving it a 4 since the quality overall was great. But man... This is supposed to be a kids film, and what does it teach?

• Joining the military is fun
• There is nothing more fulfilling than die for the country

Of course, to enlarge these ideas even more, they made the enemies as irredimible bad guys. Which is also historically incorrect.

If the film had another approach it could have been great. The battle scenes were greatly paced and they knew how to portray the war. Why making this a kids film...? Why not let the kids live their lives without concerns, and then they'll decide what they want to do?