The 1980s was not one of Soyuzmultfilm's best decades (do prefer their 50s-70s output), but the studio (the quintessential Soviet animation studio) consistently produced work that ranged between very good and amazing and with very few if any misfires. And were still going strong in the 80s, evident with for examples 'The Mystery of the Third Planet', 'The Tale of Tsar Saltan' and 'Laughter and Grief by the White Sea' (especially the last one).
1984's 'The Lion and the Bull', or 'Lion and Ox' as an another title, is directed by to me one of the finest Soviet animation directors Fyodor Khitruk. He was also an animator who contributed heavily to some of Soyuzmultfilm's best work. 'The Lion and the Bull' is one of Khitruk's last films as director and is one of his most serious films in subject and atmosphere. It is also one of his best and most powerful, as well as one of his most visually interesting. Of Soyuzmultfilm's later work, it compares extremely favourably in quality.
While very simple in story and quite slight, like all fable-like stories, 'The Lion and the Bull' never feels dull or over-deliberate, nor does it feels too simplistic or confused. It further benefits from genuine tension with the fox, real heart between the titular characters and there is a real emotional power. The ending is very moving and both shocked and moved me to tears, while the messaging isn't hammered home heavy-handedly while still striking a chord. 'The Lion and the Bull' is entirely wordless. That may alienate some, but won't be a problem for a lot of people and for those familiar with Soyuzmultfilm's other work (a good number of them were told with no dialogue or scant use of it).
It was not a problem with me, and in fact it was the right move. It would not have been as effective with words and meant that the flow would not be potentially interrupted or come over as awkward. The titular characters are very relatable and worth engaging with, with their chemistry carrying the story beautifully. The fox has real menace as an antagonist. The music is suitably haunting while not over-bearing.
Best of all is the animation, which is stunning throughout and does all the talking when it comes to telling the story. A perfect example of visuals speaking louder than words. Especially the Chinese painting like backgrounds and some of the most realistic and nuanced expressions for animal characters seen in animation for a long time. The atmosphere created in the drawing is uncompromisingly graphic too and the final shot wrenches the gut unforgettably.
Concluding, absolutely wonderful and powerful. 10/10.
