Sadko

For the past month or so Russian fantasy films have really captivated me. Sadko certainly did that with me. Sadly the dubbed version(named The Magic Voyage of Sinbad) is one that should never have happened, it is absurdest rather than magical and replaces any thrills or wonder with unintentional humour and dullness. The Russian original(Sadko) has that sense of fun and magic, there is a little too much talk and the acting did seem a little stiff at times. However, it looks wonderful, the sets and costumes are eye-catching, the special effects have a sweep and charm to them and the colour just leaps out at you in a thrilling dazzle. The music is similarly beautiful, very like Rimsky-Korsakov, and the Russian Folk Dancing is both energetic and magnetic in how it is performed and choreographed. The story has the fun, thrill and wonder you'd hope for in a fantasy film and done in a way to captivate children and adults alike. The characters are like out of a fairy-tale but not done in a bland way. There is some stiffness in the acting sure, but there is also a certain nobility too especially in the titular role that matches the characters very well. In conclusion, I liked it very much but I do absolutely agree with those who say the original Russian version is the one to see. 8/10 Bethany Cox