The Cinematheque

“My destiny and my favourite film … Had I not one day seen The Snow Queen during a film screening hosted by the company labour union [in 1964], I honestly doubt that I would have continued working as an animator.”

Miyazaki Hayao

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s most ambitiously detailed fairy tale, The Snow Queen is a landmark in animated feature filmmaking. Director Lev Atamanov’s team, which includes art director Leonid Shvartsman (Cheburashka) and animator Fyodor Khitruk (Winnie-the-Pooh), may have been influenced by the Walt Disney of Bambi and Pinocchio, yet they mastered a variety of approaches to character. The title antagonist is a feat of rotoscope animation based on the model of star actor Maria Babanova, while the tale’s hero, Gerda, is given a style of motion all her own. Gerda’s quest, one that tests her strength, loyalty, and ability to protect those she loves, is for her friend Kai, whose eyes and heart have been afflicted by the Snow Queen’s treacherous ice storm. Her journey, which brings her into contact with royalty, bandits, animal friends, and the harsh elements, became an essential reference point for Miyazaki Hayao, who continued to cite Gerda as recently as Ponyo.

In Russian with English subtitles

The Greatest Animated Films of All Time (#17)
Laputa Animation Festival 2003