The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship

THE FOOL OF THE WORLD AND THE FLYING SHIP is probably Cosgrove Hall's most recognizable and charming story ever featured. Making its debut appearance on the PBS series, LONG AGO AND FAR AWAY, this story is truly a classic that both adults and children will love for many years.

THE FOOL OF THE WORLD AND THE FLYING SHIP is a beautiful tale about a young man named Pyotr who's kindness towards an old man and with help from six unusual super humans, eventually leads him to the Czar's winter palace so that he can take the Czar's daughter hand in marriage.

The animation is superb as the creators effectively use puppet animation to make this story more creative and realistic to look at. This story will be an instant treat for the young and old and also check out for the Rabbit Ears' version of this tale, narrated by Robin Williams which is called RABBIT EARS- THE FOOL AND THE FLYING SHIP.

I have watched this version many, many times. When I purchased this video 4 years ago, I had my 4 year old watch it with me. If my son, who was that young then, understood the story, the plot, and enjoyed the character as much as I did, then I must say the movie did its job. It has the classic good vs. evil plots, yet the message here was how to make someone with so much power learn how to be humble, which did reach that goal.

I am safely say that the story was marvelous, the characters were incredibly cute, and the audience will not be disappointed with the story.

*** 8 out of 10 ***

I have two versions of this comment; the short, and the long.

The short version is this: This film is simply fantastic. Absolutely perfect. A must see.

And the long version: This film is simply a classic. I have never seen such an amazing piece of animation, or storyline (even if Cosgrove Hall didn't write it...). The characters are simply delightful, each puppet is crafted in a 'beautiful' way - these puppets are artwork in themselves. If you ever get your hands on this film, pay attention to the animation. It is phenomenal, especially for a 1990s film. And the detail, like the expressions in the faces and the background characters, and little things like that that make this film magical. In some cases, it even puts a little humour into it (such as the banquet scene).

As an animator, myself, I think this film is absolutely amazing. A great film for kids, and adults, to enjoy. If you ever get the chance to see it, make sure you take it, as I'm sure you will enjoy it.

I reviewed this film many years ago when it came out on videocassette for School Library Journal. As the other reviewer stated, the animation was extraordinary for 1990; the entire production was beautiful including the sets, the puppets' clothing, the voice-over acting; the narration by David Suchet, etc. Based on a Russian folktale, the production stays true to Russian culture of a by-gone era. Young peasant boy Pyotr receives aid from magical beings and people in order to fly a magic ship to the Czar's palace. There he hopes to win the hand of the princess by accomplishing three impossible tasks. I still own the videocassette as this is still one of the best animated films I have ever seen.

If you have enjoyed "Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer" and those type of animated films, you will enjoy this slightly more cultured approach and your older children too. Though I don't know of such russian fairy tale as it explains it does, this must be a european or scandinavian version of such, if any.