The Princess and the Pea

The Princess and the Pea is a magical and charming film adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy-tale, brought to life by the exceptional talent of the leading actors Irina Malysheva, Innokentiy Smoktunovskiy, and Alisa Freyndlikh. Classic and magnificent, this 1977 movie explores the tale in a way that is enchanting, offering entertainment to viewers of any age.

Directed by Boris Rytsarev, this movie showcases his mettle as a director capable of handling the whimsical and fantastical world of narration in a visually stunning and compelling way. The movie takes its viewers on an unforgettable journey through the pages of one of the most loved fairy tales, creating a film filled with beauty, magic, and underlying messages of love and nobility.

The plot focuses on the story of a wandering prince, portrayed by Innokentiy Smoktunovskiy. This prince, after being forced to leave his kingdom due to the political turmoil and upheaval caused by his mother, the Queen, goes on a quest to find his bride, a true princess. His journey takes him across several kingdoms as he encounters and listens to numerous fascinating and often amusing stories told by the common people.

Irina Malysheva stars as the wet, ragged girl who appears at the prince's castle on a stormy night, claiming to be a genuine princess despite her appearance. The Prince, smitten by her charm and spirit despite her tattered appearance, sees in her the qualities he has been seeking in a wife.

Alisa Freyndlikh plays the role of the queen who hatches an unconventional plan to test the mysterious girl's authenticity - a single pea beneath twenty layers of bedclothes. The Queen's character exudes dignity and grace, coupled with shrewd intelligence that stands as a stark contrast to the whimsical characters in the movie.

The supporting cast members are as lively and engaging as the lead characters with their various comical, whimsical and dramatic performances, often serving as delightful breaks in the narrative while contributing considerably to the overall story development.

The film is characterized by a striking visual style. The aesthetics of the movie take on a surrealistic tone, mixing the mundane with the fantastical and creating an atmosphere that transports the viewer into a fairytale world. Every frame feels more like a transition between captivating paintings than a standard film. The cinematography is remarkable, perfectly capturing the grandeur, opulence, and whimsicality of a fairy tale-come-to-life.

The Princess and the Pea is more than just a fairy-tale movie; it carries the audience along with it on a journey towards an understanding of love's true nature. The story makes us question our preconceived notions of what makes a person truly noble or regal, suggesting that real royalty goes beyond outward appearance and regalia. It’s seen in a person’s demeanor, mannerisms, personal qualities and sensitivity.

Another aspect of the film that deserves particular note is its music. The enchanting melodies and harmonies are cleverly woven through the script and carry the emotions of the film expertly. The music sets the tone for the different settings and scenes, with playful tunes for lighter moments, deep beats for tense passages, and romantic melodies accompanying the love story.

Displayed dialogues, beautiful costumes, imaginative set designs, and special effects, although simple by modern standards, add greatly to the overall charm of the film. Watching The Princess and the Pea feels like stepping into a beautifully illustrated children's storybook and living out the fairy tale page by page.

In conclusion, The Princess and the Pea is a testament to classic fairy-tale filmmaking. Irina Malysheva, Innokentiy Smoktunovskiy, and Alisa Freyndlikh deliver strong performances, bringing depth and reimagining their characters in a perfectly outfitted fairy tale world. The director, Boris Rytsarev, beautifully presents a widely known fairy tale in a new light.

The movie is not just for children who would be enthralled by the fantastical elements and charming story, but also for adults who can appreciate the humor, wit, and the subtle societal nuances presented in the film. This feature makes it a timeless classic worth watching, regardless of age or time period. It is an unforgettable journey into the world of classic fairy tales, filled with enchantment, charm, and the timeless message of love and genuine nobility. This is a film that will make you smile, laugh, and believe in fairytales all over again.