The plot is quite cliche for fairy tale movies and it reminds me of Disney's Brave and Rapunzel. However, I'm pretty much impressed by its breathtaking animation (having said that this is the very first Ukrainian animated movie that I've ever watched).
32 Reviews
Not every great animated movies has to come from Disney and Pixar
mikimichellemal30 June 2018
I for one welcome smaller companies (or at least lesser known ones) to produce animated films. Despite the main female being obviously modeled after Anna from Frozen (with a hint of Shrek's Fiona) the character designs are unique and very cute- let you're children decide for themselves if they like this movie.
Quite enjoyable...
paul_haakonsen12 July 2019
I sat down to watch "The Stolen Princess: Ruslan and Ludmila" with my 9 year old son, and it turned out that this 2018 animated movie was great surprise. And I am quite glad that I did sit down to watch it.
The storyline turned out to be entertaining for both me and my son, so the movie has an appeal to adults and children alike. I especially enjoyed it because of its fantasy setting, and there was a lot of fun stuff to be seen throughout the course of the storyline. I've been a fan of the fantasy genre in all manners of media, so I was loving this fantasy setting found in "The Stolen Princess: Ruslan and Ludmila".
The art style and CGI was very good, and I found it to be up to level of what you'd expect from Pixar or Disney. So that was highly impressive and enjoyable, and it definitely added a lot of flavor to the movie.
The characters in the movie were nicely fleshed out and you quickly felt at home in the storyline right there alongside with Ruslan and his friends. And of course the animal companions were absolutely hilarious and lovable. The villain too, of course, was also lovable and being the stereotypical archetype villain that you see in many animated movies.
This being an animated movie, then there was some music and singing involved as well, although not overly done as you'd see in Disney movies. Personally I don't care much for singing segments in cartoons, because that is not why I sit down to watch the animated movie.
The storyline turned out to be entertaining for both me and my son, so the movie has an appeal to adults and children alike. I especially enjoyed it because of its fantasy setting, and there was a lot of fun stuff to be seen throughout the course of the storyline. I've been a fan of the fantasy genre in all manners of media, so I was loving this fantasy setting found in "The Stolen Princess: Ruslan and Ludmila".
The art style and CGI was very good, and I found it to be up to level of what you'd expect from Pixar or Disney. So that was highly impressive and enjoyable, and it definitely added a lot of flavor to the movie.
The characters in the movie were nicely fleshed out and you quickly felt at home in the storyline right there alongside with Ruslan and his friends. And of course the animal companions were absolutely hilarious and lovable. The villain too, of course, was also lovable and being the stereotypical archetype villain that you see in many animated movies.
This being an animated movie, then there was some music and singing involved as well, although not overly done as you'd see in Disney movies. Personally I don't care much for singing segments in cartoons, because that is not why I sit down to watch the animated movie.
Support Ukrainian Animation
BabelAlexandria4 September 2022
This little gem, by Animagrad, an animation studio based in Kiev, requires a multi-region player to watch in the US, but is well worth it. The Stolen Princess is very loosely based on Pushkin's early poem Ruslan and Ludmila, itself based on Russian folklore about Kievan Rus. Its visuals draw on Disney films of the past decade, in a light-hearted, hilarious way, with its humor rooted more in character buffoonery than satire. It also depicts plenty of Eastern European/Orthodox themes, giving it a distinctive feel. The animation is a bit clunky and exaggerated at times, but this may be part of a strange effect I hadn't seen before (except in Pinocchio, I guess!)-the characters move like puppets. Despite the war, Animagrad released another movie this year, Mavka: The Forest Song, but unfortunately this doesn't look like it's available in English or released on DVD or blu ray.
Just Like Another Disney Fantasy Movie!
nweroparker18 December 2018
Right now, On my Mind, I am rounding around only one thing. Which is, Will there be a Second Part? When? I can't wait! Best movie ever. I haven't Seen any Animated Fantasy Movies better than this one in Years. Reminds me of Tangled.
Pathetically
SilverOrlov19 October 2019
Not bad graphics, though not a new story but still also not a bad general ideas to use a folklore. But the way it is served... it is bad. Very bad. The meticulous attempt to imitate the Disney style of "funny chaos on the screen" in this cartoon is shown as an attempt to make from the first-grader's drawings as an expensive masterpiece. And putting knowledge of modern slang and other words in the cartoon about Middle Ages looks disgusting in both Disney and this cartoons... Oh yes, and I hate stupid characters like "his friend".
Potential is There But......
nickjeromana23 September 2019
.............
The first thoughts I had with this movie.
Let's talk about it's good points: the ideas, and many present themselves well. What caught me was this scene with food attacking the princess. I won't lie simple scenes throughout the movie were actually impressive, but they only survived as solo ideas, and not so much as a complete film.
Problems.... animation felt stiff at times, some shots were odd compositions, and the characters felt like plastic more than like soft skin. Pacing sometimes was awkward.
In the first 15 minutes of the film they did a bit of copy and paste from Disney's Aladdin. (I almost never accuse anyone of that unless it is THAT obvious, sorry it kinda was)
At the 20 minute mark things did get better, but by then you're audience is probably turned away, or very uncomfortable.
Sorry, but I'm hoping that Wizart will have better luck with this fairytale in 2020.
In the first 15 minutes of the film they did a bit of copy and paste from Disney's Aladdin. (I almost never accuse anyone of that unless it is THAT obvious, sorry it kinda was)
At the 20 minute mark things did get better, but by then you're audience is probably turned away, or very uncomfortable.
Sorry, but I'm hoping that Wizart will have better luck with this fairytale in 2020.
Finally ukrainians have learned how to draw an animation!
julyman11 March 2018
5 points only for good graphics and effects. Scripts and scenario are have to be revised. Plot is not brand new, but something different from similar others. There are a lot of unnecessary scenes that can be sciped. But overall, by comparison with other ukrainian animations it is worth seeing. Ultimatelly it is created for children, and my child was satisfied, and even truly laughed several times.
A simple story with good animation.
XueHuaBingYu26 July 2018
Am I the only one who feels this film really has a part of Aladdin and sleeping beauty and also the princess looks like Anna from Frozen?
The story is quite simple. When I started to watch this, I didn't have that much expectations. I thought it looks a fine animation. So, I watched it. When the film ended, I feel like it wasn't that good and wasn't that bad.
The reason why I gave 8 stars is because of animation. The animation is great. Although it isn't produced by Disney, it looks like it's production. All in all, yeah, it's enjoyable.
The story is quite simple. When I started to watch this, I didn't have that much expectations. I thought it looks a fine animation. So, I watched it. When the film ended, I feel like it wasn't that good and wasn't that bad.
The reason why I gave 8 stars is because of animation. The animation is great. Although it isn't produced by Disney, it looks like it's production. All in all, yeah, it's enjoyable.
Classic in the heart, modern in fact
kerorogio7 May 2021
Attempt to finally give us back a hero, and a classic couple in love, keeping the usual rebellious princess, stoic and with a nice temper. An appreciable compromise. Unfortunately, excluding the two protagonists and the pets, all the others are stupid and incompetent and ... in general, all the characters really gesticulate too much. The film is also plagued by the typical wrong way of handling animals; too present, too intelligent and with the most visible technical limitations. Modest and lacking in elegance, but valid for the youngest.
For children only
Snootz23 June 2018
Ouch. I managed to stomach about 10 minutes of this before hitting the STOP button. But then again, I'm not a 4 year old. I agree with mariamulmasova... this will likely be "painful to watch"... and unlike some of the glowing reviews here, I'm not Ukranian so am not going to upvote this just because of the nationality of the film team.
The animation is decently done. The script didn't have a decent spot of humor in it (at least the segment I managed to watch). If you don't catch the audience in the first 5 minutes you've lost them. This just got worse as it went along, and about the second time they depicted some guy picking his nose I realized this was not the movie for me... or probably most adults. I strongly suspect many children would eject this groaner and move on to something with a bit more wit and viewer savvy.
The animation is decently done. The script didn't have a decent spot of humor in it (at least the segment I managed to watch). If you don't catch the audience in the first 5 minutes you've lost them. This just got worse as it went along, and about the second time they depicted some guy picking his nose I realized this was not the movie for me... or probably most adults. I strongly suspect many children would eject this groaner and move on to something with a bit more wit and viewer savvy.
Fun, fun, fun, as it should be for a kid
mirna-ko7 June 2021
This movie is underrated. My 5 yo enjoyed it and laughed out loud, and me with him. It's witty, easy going and graphically beautiful. Perfect for a kid, as it should be. Not every movie for kids should be highly educational. Sometimes it's enough just to be fun. Let the kids be kids.
And they lived happily ever after
raben-8114629 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
While the war is on between Russia and Ukraine The Stolen Princess got released again in selected cinemas. This is the old fairytale with heroes, bumbling henchmen, villains and funny sidekicks now set in medieval Ukraine. The CGI is well done, and there are lore, swordfights, a dragon fight to end it all and furry friends for all. This is like fantasy parodies like Onward and Shrek where modern and at times overused references are put in between. This is no major award runners up just some fun in nearly 80 minutes, and also stay for the end credits. Try to find the movie in the cinema, as you and your family forget our difficult two year for a while.
Great Animation, BUT!
davewilco84-109-60111824 June 2018
Some of the best animation I have seen, sadly it stops there. If there is such a thing as sliders to regulate things like characters, stereotypes, hand gestures while creating the rest of the film everyone is set to max! Every personality is massively overdone. Every character type is the same, so much so I got to halfway through and left. Honestly, I only stayed that long as I was with someone and was far to embarrassed I dragged them along to this utter pile of whatever. So disappointed with themakers they seemed to have lost the plot. I wonder if they employed a bucket load of millennials a while ago and this is the result?
Surprising Gem from a Ukraine based studio.
commknights17 January 2024
A lot of reviewers are going to compare this with Disney. Which I can understand why, they use a similar animation style and storyline. There are parts that are very predictable and maybe could use a little more character building on the main guy.
That aside, one must remember this is from a smaller studio outside of the billions of dollars spent on the American industry.
Found the film on Tubi which is great for watching indie films and foreign films that you otherwise would never have heard about. A lot of movies are duds, but this one almost has a Pixar level of magic to it. The plot and character development could use a little bit more work, but the comedic relief and branching away from damsel in distress while not belittling the male lead is spot on. This is how you should show both a strong male and female lead in movies.
I would definitely recommend this movie to families looking for a film.
Animation style is Disney level.
Music is done as good background music during scenes instead of musicals.
Voice acting fits the characters perfectly.
The male lead is a charming theater actor who makes a few mistakes throughout the movie as he's blinded by love of a female lead who is a brave princess who wanted to search for adventure and is capable of protecting herself.
That aside, one must remember this is from a smaller studio outside of the billions of dollars spent on the American industry.
Found the film on Tubi which is great for watching indie films and foreign films that you otherwise would never have heard about. A lot of movies are duds, but this one almost has a Pixar level of magic to it. The plot and character development could use a little bit more work, but the comedic relief and branching away from damsel in distress while not belittling the male lead is spot on. This is how you should show both a strong male and female lead in movies.
I would definitely recommend this movie to families looking for a film.
Animation style is Disney level.
Music is done as good background music during scenes instead of musicals.
Voice acting fits the characters perfectly.
The male lead is a charming theater actor who makes a few mistakes throughout the movie as he's blinded by love of a female lead who is a brave princess who wanted to search for adventure and is capable of protecting herself.
Good animation, but slow unfunny story.
apjc31 August 2018
Best Ukrainian animated cartoon
msyatynya13 March 2018
Painful to watch
mariamulmasova21 April 2018
Sweet, funny and relaxing!
mineralpetal19 July 2018
This is a very lighthearted movie, good for the moments when all you want to see is a simple, colorful and funny story to keep you away from worries. It's definitely meant for children from the way the events flow. I watched the English dubbed version so I can't say anything about the original voice acting. The English version was enjoyable. I especially liked the humor, the light jokes (I'm a fan of decent jokes), the overflow of expressions on the characters' faces and their gestures. The animation reminded me of Disney's Rapunzel.
I've seen quite a lot of negative reviews here that I'm really glad I didn't read them before watching and just decided to give it a try. Really, this is meant to be a light and sweet story, so if you're looking for things like strong character development, intense action, heavy story, etc, then this might not be for you. Try Young Justice or Batman movies or something else. This is for kids to have fun and for adults to enjoy something that reminds of classic fairy tales. Personally, I'd love to watch more like this!
I've seen quite a lot of negative reviews here that I'm really glad I didn't read them before watching and just decided to give it a try. Really, this is meant to be a light and sweet story, so if you're looking for things like strong character development, intense action, heavy story, etc, then this might not be for you. Try Young Justice or Batman movies or something else. This is for kids to have fun and for adults to enjoy something that reminds of classic fairy tales. Personally, I'd love to watch more like this!
Cool animations!
alex_wiky11 August 2018
Hats off to the animation team. But the plot is a mix of the popular animations in past - shrek, rapunzel, brave...
If you look closely you can actually see the similarity between the characters, scenes and colors they used. Anyway enjoyed the designs & animations.
Very nice cartoon
yuralife16 March 2018
Hopeless movie in this age
shilpablr24 June 2018
The best movie in the world!!!!!!
vikykolyekhova28 June 2018
I am 14, And I very much enjoyed this movie, you could tell that this is a Ukrainian production because it is much more enlightening and fantastical. This is a very unique movie, and I give it a huge thumbs up. Great job Ukraine!!!!
Vykradena
alisahajahan23424 December 2018
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