Category: Soviet Era

Soviet Film Wednesday: The Cranes Are Flying

The Cranes Are Flying is a film that has etched its name in the annals of cinema history. Released in 1957, this Soviet film, directed by Mikhail Kalatozov, has transcended time and cultural barriers to become a global cinematic treasure. The film is a poignant tale of love, loss, and the human spirit amidst the …

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Soviet Film Wednesday: The Cow

I recently posted an introduction to the beautiful work of Aleksandr Petrov, who creates animations using pastel oil paintings on glass to create wonderful, unique frames of soft, muted colors. Here is one of his early works, The Cow (Корова, Korova), made in 1989. In the story, a boy remembers how his family lost their …

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From Russia with Folklore: The Intriguing Journey of ‘Tale of Tales’

Tale of Tales, a film that emerged from the Soviet Union in 1979, remains a cinematic gem that continues to fascinate and inspire audiences worldwide. Directed by the acclaimed animator Yuri Norstein, this animation is not just a representation of artistic triumph but a vessel of profound storytelling that transcends the boundaries of time and …

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Soviet Film Wednesday: Solaris

Soviet film has a rich and complex history that spans decades of cultural evolution, political change, and artistic expression. It emerged as a unique force in the early 20th century, especially after the October Revolution of 1917, which led to the establishment of the Soviet Union. This period brought significant state involvement in the arts, …

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Soviet Film Wednesday: Fox and Rabbit

The 1973 animation Fox and Rabbit (Лиса и заяц) was Yuri Norstein’s debut as an exclusive director. In keeping with Norstein’s most beloved animation techniques, it is made with wonderful cut-outs and has that signature Norstein earthy feel, brimming with folksy forest animals and seasonal motifs. Based on a Russian folk tale, it is the …

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Soviet Film Wednesday: The Battle of Kerzhenets

Released on January 1, 1971, The Battle of Kerzhenets is based on the mythical underwater city of Kitezh. According to legend, the Russian town “Little Kitezh” was built on the Volga River in the early 13th century. The Mongols had been invading nearby territories during this time, and when they reached Kitezh they started to attack the …

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Soviet Film Wednesday: Ivan’s Childhood

Andrei Tarkovsky, a name that resonates profoundly within the realm of cinema, is a Russian filmmaker and writer who has left deeply influenced the world of film. His oeuvre, though limited in quantity, is rich in depth and profound in its ability to stir both the mind and the heart. His works, characterized by a …

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Soviet Film Wednesday: Bashō

“Bashō” was animated by Soviet-born artist Yuri Norstein (revered director of Seasons, Hedgehog in the Fog, and Tale of Tales) using cut-out animation. It is a segment of the film Winter Days (originally 冬の日 Fuyu no Hi), which is a collage of animated short films comprised of mostly Japanese pieces, directed by Kihachirō Kawamoto. Winter Days is based …

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Soviet Film Wednesday: Stalker

Stalker – a name that evokes a sense of intrigue, a dash of dread, and a sprinkle of curiosity. A film that has been the subject of many discussions, debates, and dissertations since its release in 1979, Stalker is a cinematic gem that continues to captivate audiences even after four decades. The man behind this …

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Soviet Film Wednesday: The Mitten

While Rankin & Bass were celebrating wintertime with their charming 1960’s stop-motion animations for Americans, including the beloved Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Soviet animator and director Roman Kachanov was making his own adorable stop-motion films, including the celebrated Cheburashka children’s series consisting of Gena the Crocodile, Cheburashka, Shapoklyak and Cheburashka Goes to School. A prolific artist, Kachanov was also …

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