Everyone who selflessly calls “Scarlet Flower” one of the most terrible Soviet cartoons, let me explain: what, in fact, is terrible? The atmosphere, barely pulling on the terrible, is present only in the first half, when the merchant finds himself in the lost lands and a luxurious palace. The shaggy monster featured in the plot did not scare me even as a child. Artists, apparently, have a peculiar idea of fear, since we will never see any teeth, horns and claws here. And this is a much-vaunted Soviet horror movie? Don't make me laugh in the closet!
I must say that the book on which the cartoon was shot is not so interesting. The emphasis there is not on fear and not even on adventure, but on the love line, boring, like most melodramas. For this reason, everything interesting ends in the cartoon before the middle, along with the constant presence of the father of the main character. If the entire film adaptation was devoted exclusively to his adventures, I would cheerfully applaud, since the eastern bazaar, sailing on the sea and visiting the palace turned out to be interesting and beautiful. In addition, the merchant convincingly reveals himself as a strong and loving father, ready to sacrifice himself for the sake of his daughter. I understand and approve of that.
The whole second half of the cartoon, dedicated to Nastenka (did you notice that Nastya in fairy tales are always positive characters?), can interest, probably, only a female audience. The male will yawn. The tragedy, as in most Soviet cartoons of the 1950s, turned out to be too heavy, so I cannot count it as a plus. The only thing that pleases from beginning to end is animation. Especially if we compare the “Scarlet Flower” with cartoons of the 1970s, when the level of skill of Soviet artists for some reason slid greatly.
Exceptionally for an interesting first half and beautiful animation:
This is a masterpiece of Soviet animated cinema. The magnificent skill (without computer technology) of animators of that time allowed us to enjoy colors, landscapes, beautiful characters, outfits, weather, etc. The music here is just beautiful and very in harmony with the events and episodes of the cartoon. Due to this and the character of the characters, the cartoon came out very deep. Nastya’s father is a real Russian man, devoted, strong in spirit, able to love his daughters, fearless and proud, as well as honest. Nastenka is an example of modesty, fearlessness and virtue. She died for her father, she didn’t abandon the monster, despite his looks and homesickness. Her sisters are more antiheroes than her. They are obsessed with clothes, jewelry, they are empty and selfish. And this is emphasized in a negative way, as it should be. The cartoon shows great morality in short intervals, from some episodes you can learn a whole lesson. The monster here is really kind, noble and unhappy, it can be loved for a good soul.
10 out of 10
The wonderful director Lev Atamanov in 1952 filmed the famous fairy tale of Sergei Astafiev "Scarlet flower". For me, Atamanov was always a special director of cartoons, because he gave us a cartoon called "A kitten named Gav". Since childhood I have loved this cartoon and watched it many times.
So you're a beautiful flower!
In the Soviet world of cartoons, Lev Atamanov’s paintings occupy a special place, because even this cartoon “The Scarlet Flower” was watched by everyone. Not a single generation of Soviet and then Russian viewers grew up on it. His cartoon turned out to be a wonderful adaptation of the famous fairy tale, and personally I especially love this cartoon.
We see the story of a merchant who travels the world. On one of his trips, three daughters asked for gifts. Two older different fabrics and jewelry, but the youngest named Nastenka asked for a flower, a scarlet flower. Her father found this flower in overseas countries, but this beauty was stored in the mysterious something that Nastenka will later have to face, and this meeting will be fateful.
Come out, show yourself. I will not be afraid more than the sight of your terrible.
I love the 1991 Disney cartoon Beauty and the Beast. This musical, animated gift is beautiful, but I feel the same about this Soviet cartoon. For me, it is also beautiful and makes me smile. It has so much beauty, wisdom, some charm and something very bright and warm. Atamanov created a unique cartoon for all time, and now after sixty-four years, the youngest viewer can willingly appreciate this cute cartoon.
Sisters, what for...
Scarlet Flower is a Soviet, fabulous, short cartoon of the distant 1952. It is still beautiful and deserves attention. I love this movie and say yes to it. Don’t forget the best of the best movies, because that’s what this one is. Thank you.
This cartoon still remains a gold classic and a brilliant “pearl” of Soviet animation. I remember him from childhood, as he left a lasting impression. I didn't have a tape of him back then, but it wasn't uncommon to see him on TV. So, having had time to catch my eye on one of the channels, I could not switch, because each time I gave warmth and a smile. The feeling of what you see is always amazing. In my opinion, this is the best production ever staged on this fairy tale in the world.
The reason that my favorite picture left an eternal mark in the history of our respected animation lies in the fabulous splendor, admiring decoration, lyrical sincerity and soulfulness. Undoubtedly, animators, screenwriters, director, composer and many others have tried their work to unlimited fame. The creators carefully treated the method of rotoscopy, very popular in those years, which allowed the characters of the tape to become recognizable from their real prototypes. The actors themselves worked hard to create unforgettable and poetic images, endowing the characters animated on a piece of paper with a piece of their soul. Nikolai Bogolyubov embodied the image of a strong and experienced person, but also a loving and understanding father of the family. Mikhail Astangov brilliantly played the role of the Beast, having made smooth and graceful movements, which is filled with trust in the enchanted owner of the palace. Alexei Batalov added to that character, taking responsibility for the young and freed from the charms of the prince. And Nina Krachkovskaya, who plays Nastenka, amazes with her modesty, tenderness and kindness - all the positive character traits for such a heroine. Well, good actors! But everything that surrounds the heroic composition: the Russian picturesque city with intricate towers and churches, the original landscapes of the East and West, the raging sea and the marvelous beauty of the underwater kingdom, the beautiful chambers and naturalistic gardens of an unknown island - also receives attention. This is the main visual part of the cartoon. Background artists have painted the backgrounds so much that it even lends itself to comparison with the great works of great landscape painters! Everything that happened in the movie, I will never forget! This is an amazing creation!
“Scarlet Flower” is a brilliant and entertaining fairy tale for all people beyond all ages. Centuries will pass, and she will not be forgotten and will be remembered with the same tender trembling in the heart as in our time. Looking over and over again, I once again assert that such an unprecedented masterpiece could only have been made in the Soviet Union. Bravo to the Soviet animators and the brilliant Lev Atamanov!
10 out of 10
Almost a quarter of a century ago, I watched a wonderful Soviet cartoon “Scarlet Flower”. Think about the year of creation of the cartoon: 1952. But in its visual picture, in excellent voice acting, in meaning, this cartoon is a masterpiece of animation. With such bright and juicy colors, this picture is certainly pretty in all respects. Such wonderful brushstrokes that breathtaking.
The merchant Stepan Emelyanych is a very strong man, both physically and morally, with a rather impressive native Russian beard. He has his own ship. He is not used to swimming and trading, wandering around different countries and lands. And then one day, he went swimming. In addition to his portrait, he has three daughters. Two, as befits fairy tales, sinister and mercenary ladies, and one, the one that is the least, that neither is a bright and pure creature. And now our merchant Stepan Emelyanich was going to sail on his trade affairs. But first I learned from my daughters what kind of guests to bring them. Elder Gordeyushka ordered a crown of various emerald stones and diamonds, the average Lover - a mirror to look into it and the beauty of women was never lost. And the younger, smaller daughter Nastenka ordered the father a scarlet flower. That's what the merchant went on.
The beginning of the cartoon is quite expected and predictable, as probably puts hand on heart, and the ending. But here's the middle, the most valuable part. There is a lot to see and to understand in contrast. The film is based on the story of the writer Aksakov. Lev Atamanov did not disappoint, performed everything fine and clean. Through such fairy tales, the consciousness of a little man is formed. Adults are also not a sin to reconsider this miracle of animation!
10 out of 10
I remember back in childhood, when I first saw this cartoon, I was simply amazed by the beauty, brightness of the picture.
See how unusual the gardens, nature, architecture, decoration of the palace on the island. What an amazing mix of styles. And with what care all this is drawn and animated. It's just brilliant!
At that time, it was the most high-quality cartoon in terms of animation and imagination of the authors.
And even after so many years, it continues to amaze viewers.