The Fall of the Russian Family (Anastasia (DVD))

Member Name: diamond_sparkles

Product:	Anastasia (DVD)
Date:	25/07/09 (48 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great thematic features such as hope and courage

Disadvantages: Not quite as romantically-oriented as expected

Anastasia is undoubtedly the most different animated movie plot and animated female protagonist I ever saw. I thought Mulan was different from the rest of the clichéd stories and Princesses, but that was until I watched Anastasia! It is a wonderful tale of courage, love and family ties. In pure animated tradition, the film rotates around the life of the main female protagonist and helps her on the road towards self-discovery. I particularly enjoyed this movie because of the thematic features and the extraordinary songs, as well as the wonderful and un-Disney characters included in the film.


The plot is based upon the legendary real-life Russian Princess. It depicts the forced separation and fall of the Royal Russian family; and how Princess Anastasia was accidentally left behind while running away with her grandmother. Due to such circumstances, Anastasia lost her memory, and got placed in an orphanage under the name of Ania. When she became old enough to fend for her own, Anastasia decides to try and trace people from her past, and decides to go to Paris. This is how she meets Dimitri, who claims that he can get her into Paris...under certain conditions.


Anastasia has been produced by one of Disney's major rivals, but I can easily say that this movie can equal to any Disney blockbusters ever made. I also noted that this movie holds a lot more serious thematic features than Disney productions. Anastasia is more a tale of family love and courage, rather than the typical Princess-meets-Prince-Charming happily ever after. My favorite element in the movie is the hope and longing that Anastasia has to meet at least part of the family. In addition, I also loved the particular aspect of a princess living as any commoner for years and years- this certainly gave another dimension to the fairy-tale effect on the audience!


I also particularly loved the historical aspect of the movie. In fact, like I mentioned above, it is truly based upon the story of the daughter of the last tsar of Russia. While the plot has of course been altered from real historical facts in order to turn it into a romantic animated movie, I think that some elements remain true to the fall of the Royal Russian family. In addition, I liked the lack of major loopholes in the plot, as well as the marvellous songs that I believe suit Anastasia's character completely. Songs such as "Heart don't fail me now", are more than appropriate for this particular scene in the movie. I liked that aspect very much because more than once, I've watched movies where the songs happen at very queer moments, without even suiting the protagonist's personality- and this somehow put me off the move a little bit. I was, however, quite pleased to note that this was not at all the case in Anastasia.
Some of my personal favorite songs in the movie include Once Upon a December, Heart Don't Fail me Now, and At the Beginning are all deep and melodious, and completely filled with an amazing power.


The Cast List includes the following:
* Meg Ryan (Anastacia)
* John Cusack
* Kelsey Grammer
* Angela Lansbury
* Christopher Lloyd
* Hand Azaria
* Bernadette Peters
* Kirsten Dunst

* Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
* Songs by Liz Callaway


I must say that I particularly liked Meg Ryan's performance as Anastasia. Her voice, pitch, and tone were perfectly suited for her character, and she was so expressive in her voice that I was pretty pleased with the way that she suited Ania's facial expressions perfectly.


The one negative aspect which I would have to say about this movie is that I am used to romance being at the centerfold of animated movies, and Anastasia's plot was quite lacking in the romance department. The script was mainly aimed towards showing her love and attachment, and hope of seeing her family again and there were very few romantic dialogue included.


DVD Extras include:
* Behind the Scene Featurette
* Karakoke-style-sing-alongs
* Original Theatrical Trailer
* Trailer: Bartok the Magnificent
* Direct-to-video sequel


My one disappointment with the Extras is that they didn't focus much on the true events upon which Anastasia is based. I would certainly have loved to know more about it, especially from the Director's point of view!


Overall, it is a great and entertaining movie with a lot of historical elements included. Not a movie to watch if you expect great romantic plots and lines, but definitely a film which will pull at the heartstrings of many!


Thanks for reading!

Summary: Ania wants to find out who she really is... .