The Twelve Months is a Soviet-era fantasy film released in 1973. Directed by Anatoly Granik, it stars Liana Zhvaniya, Nikolay Volkov, and Olga Viklandt. The plot is based on a Ukrainian fairy tale of the same name and follows a young girl named Katya who must brave the harsh winter wilderness to find twelve magical flowers that will bring her step-sister's health back.
The twelve months of each year are represented as characters in the movie, and it opens with January (Nikolay Volkov) sending a blistery snowstorm over the land, which eventually disgorges Katya and her father in the middle of a dense forest. It is here that the father leaves his youngest daughter with her cruel stepmother and her nasty, sharp-tongued stepsister, Sonia.
The movie revolves around Katyaâs attempt to find a way to save her unhealthy stepsister. In her journey, she meets the twelve months, including a friendly forest sprite who become her companions. January sends snowstorms, February brings warm breezes, March brings winds, April showers, and so on until the winter season passes, and the flowers that Katya seeks finally appear.
The Twelve Months is a whimsical and charming movie that is perfect for families. The characters of the months are imaginative, and the scenery and costume design transport the viewer to a fantastical, fairy-tale world. The movie's story also teaches excellent moral lessons about perseverance, diligence, and altruism.
The film has brilliant scoring; the music score is dreamlike, adding a dose of magic to the already enchanting story. The exquisite cinematography enhances the visual effect of the movie, and the quality of the acting is worth mentioning.
Despite its age and some minor flaws, The Twelve Months remains a movie that can enchant viewers of all ages, and it is highly recommended for parents who want to introduce their children to fairy tales from around the world. The film is proof that sweet, imaginative storytelling can go a long way and that when done right, it can resonate with viewers of different generations.
In conclusion, The Twelve Months is a classic in its genre, and its charm and appeal are authentic. It is highly recommended for those who love magical and fantastical storytelling. With its beautiful characters, stunning cinematography, and whimsical story, it's perfect for all generations. It's a must-watch for those fond of the bygone days of cinematic storytelling.