Am immensely fond of Russian animation, films too but even more so animation, and have been for nearly a decade. A lot of the best of it came from Soyuzmultfilm, some of the best non-UK/US animations coming from them. One of the most notable and prolific artists and directors to come out of the studio being Ivan Ivanov-Vano, though there were other directors too responsible for some of the studio's best work.
'Forest Concert', another relatively early effort for Soyuzmultfilm (founded in 1936 though under a different name) and mid-career for Ivanov-Vano (who had started his career in the 20s not long after graduating), is not quite Ivanov-Vano at the top of his game or one of Soyuzmultfilm's best. It is still well made, charming and amusing, and it is one of those cartoons that is likely to make one want to see more of Soyuzmultfilm's work if not familiar with it already and where it is very easy to see their appeal.
There is not an awful lot of story and the animals are far more interesting and have much more personality than the painter, who came over to me as a bit bland.
With that being said, there is so much to like about 'Forest Concert'. One of 'Forest Concert's' best assets is the animation, loved the rich colours but it is the attention to the little visual details like what the animals dream up and the background landscapes that are bigger stars. The latter is especially notable. The music has whimsy, sumptuous orchestration, merriment and atmosphere, never feeling at odds to me with the action.
It is an immensely charming and it was good that there was enough interest sustained. It didn't fall into the traps of being corny or too cutesy. The animal characters are engaging.
Definitely well worth the viewing. 8/10
'Forest Concert', another relatively early effort for Soyuzmultfilm (founded in 1936 though under a different name) and mid-career for Ivanov-Vano (who had started his career in the 20s not long after graduating), is not quite Ivanov-Vano at the top of his game or one of Soyuzmultfilm's best. It is still well made, charming and amusing, and it is one of those cartoons that is likely to make one want to see more of Soyuzmultfilm's work if not familiar with it already and where it is very easy to see their appeal.
There is not an awful lot of story and the animals are far more interesting and have much more personality than the painter, who came over to me as a bit bland.
With that being said, there is so much to like about 'Forest Concert'. One of 'Forest Concert's' best assets is the animation, loved the rich colours but it is the attention to the little visual details like what the animals dream up and the background landscapes that are bigger stars. The latter is especially notable. The music has whimsy, sumptuous orchestration, merriment and atmosphere, never feeling at odds to me with the action.
It is an immensely charming and it was good that there was enough interest sustained. It didn't fall into the traps of being corny or too cutesy. The animal characters are engaging.
Definitely well worth the viewing. 8/10
