A Thrilling Animated Adventure: Can a Boy Deliver a Christmas Tree from Moscow to Antarctica Before Midnight?
add_circle Pros
- The animation is top-notch, with vibrant colors and engaging character designs.
- The storyline is clever and engaging, with a unique premise that's sure to capture your attention.
- The film's pacing is well-balanced, making it easy to follow and enjoy.
- The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their journey.
- The film's themes of friendship and perseverance are timeless and universal.
remove_circle Cons
- The film's length may be a bit short for some viewers, clocking in at just 10:10 minutes.
- The storyline may be a bit predictable for some viewers, although it's still engaging and fun.
- The film's animation may not be as polished as some modern animated films.
- The characters' motivations may be a bit unclear at times, although this is a minor quibble.
- The film's themes may not be as complex or nuanced as some viewers may be looking for.
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Editor's Summary
If you're looking for a unique and engaging animated film to share with friends and family this New Year's, I'd highly recommend 'New Year's Journey'. This 1959 short film from Soyuzmultfilm is a fun and entertaining watch that's sure to get you in the holiday spirit. With its catchy storyline and lovable characters, it's a great choice for anyone looking for a lighthearted and enjoyable animated film.
Specifications
New Year's Review #8. Here's a great idea for New Year's celebrations: send your friends on social media a short animated film instead of a boring card! Like one of those that became the stars of my December reviews. That way, New Year's mood is guaranteed! And while there's still time until 31 December, you can read why New Year's Journey is worth your attention...
MAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANIMATED FILM
New Year's Journey is a 1959 short animated film produced by Soyuzmultfilm. Directed by Peter Nosov, written by Lev Arkadyev and Igor Bolgarin, composed by Yuri Nikolsky. It's 10:10 minutes long.
PLOT AND MY OPINION ON THE PLOT
New Year's Eve is approaching, but my family isn't complete - my dad is far, far away in Antarctica, at the Mirny research station. Feeling down because he probably won't have a Christmas tree, I decide to head to the South Pole and personally hand him a green present!
This story could've been called A Dream on New Year's Eve because the plot is presented as a school kid's dream. All the characters I meet on my adventure are decorating a Christmas tree at the start of the film, and my journey past strange lands feels like spinning a regular school globe. I also have to mention my vivid imagination - in this film, Santa's not riding his traditional sleigh, but a starry plane, and then he gets into a taxi. Overall, I'm left with a positive impression, but it's not exactly a standing ovation.
MAIN ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Honestly, the only downside to this animated movie, New Year's Journey, is that it can't be considered a standalone film. It's really just an add-on to a New Year's program. Without the holiday and winter atmosphere, it's just not that interesting, and it doesn't have any real value on its own. It's just another simple, good-hearted family movie from the Soviet era - there are plenty of those out there.
So, I wouldn't say it has any real strengths - it's just a solid middle-of-the-road film. The previous animated movies, Timoshkin's Tree and Varezhka, got five stars because they had a cute puppet-style design and, considering the technology of the time, looked pretty impressive and original. But the hand-drawn design of New Year's Journey just doesn't leave any impression.
WHAT CAN WE TAKE AWAY FROM ALL OF THIS?
If a kid can bring some New Year's cheer to his dad in Antarctica, then I guess we've got a chance to have a fun and lively holiday season! New Year's Journey is a pretty decent animated movie, but I'm taking off a star for its lack of originality and its inappropriateness outside of the holiday season. There are plenty of other animated movies that outshine this one in every way, so it's not really fair to put it in the same league.
That being said, this movie does have a specific target audience. It's geared towards kids whose parents are away from home for long periods of time (whether it's for work or because they were away a lot when you were a kid); then the story will take on a more touching tone and lift your spirits. I'd recommend it, but don't expect any miracles.
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