“Their desire for power was so great that it consumed their hearts and led to a merciless war like never seen before, leaving no winners to speak of…”
The vengeful Snow Queen (Galina Tyunina) has created a world in which art is banned and punishment is emphasised over creativity. Her cold ambition rules the world, an all too familiar scene for Russia. Her last threat to power comes from a mirror owned by an artist named Vegard and when her polar wind kills him and his wife The Snow Queen believes she is free to rule with no contest. Years later she discovers Vegard’s son Kai (Ramilya Iskander), kidnapping and holding him in her palace. It’s up to his older sister Gerda (Anna Shurochkina) to travel across the country, facing and overcoming countless obstacles to save her baby brother.
The Snow Queen’s world is void of colour, juxtaposed against the colourful landscape of scenes reminiscent of life under the Tsar and the post-Cold War era. There are capitalist and Soviet themes throughout The Snow Queen, creating a journey through the history of an incredibly volatile country. Drawing parallels with the absorbing history of Russia is the most enjoyable aspect of this film. While it isn’t difficult to allude to scenes of Russia’s past, a convoluted plot with unnecessary and confusing characters leaves the audience wondering just where The Snow Queen is headed. We know that all seem to be yearning for a world where life is better.
The humour is lacklustre and while Gerda is undoubtedly the most endearing character in The Snow Queen, we soon grow tiresome of her journey, hoping she’ll reach her destination sooner rather than later.
The Snow Queen is screening as part of the 2013 Russian Resurrection Film Festival. For session times and further info, visit the RRFF website.
Snow White Trailer from Russian Resurrection on Vimeo.
Animation looks a bit on the weak side, but it does follow the original fairy tale. At least, more than Disney’s upcoming film, “Frozen” is. Which is still based on the same fairy tale as this one is. Interesting how much they changed it…