Many consider children’s cartoons shot in Soviet times to be exceptional works of art, which have never been equalled.
However, animated films for adults turned out to be almost forgotten – and they also deserve attention. We want to talk about six such cartoons today.
“His wife is a hen”
This surreal cartoon was filmed by director Igor Kovalev shortly before the collapse of the USSR – in 1990. It tells about a strange family: the woman sits at home, cooks, cleans and takes care of a strange pet – a caterpillar with a human head and the husband … The husband, of course, takes everything for granted. But one evening, a strange stranger shows up at the couple’s apartment and tells the man: his wife is… a hen! What to do with this?
“Once upon a time Kozyavin”
This cartoon, released in 1966, is considered one of the two most poignant social films of Soviet animation that appeared at the end of the thaw. It was shot by Andrey Khrzhanovsky, the father of the same Ilya Khrzhanovsky, whose project “Dau” caused a sensation in the world of cinema. Tells a cartoon about the official Kozyavin, who was sent to look for Comrade Sidorov. Kozyavin’s journey turns into a strange road movie: he goes in a straight line, without turning anywhere, and meets very strange characters on his way – for example, employees who have hanged themselves, but who continue to work.
“The Man in the Frame”
The second sharp social tape of the same era is the cartoon of the famous Fyodor Khitruk “The Man in the Frame”. In just 10 minutes, the director showed how a civil servant ceases to be a person, fearful of leaving his place in society and violating acceptable limits.
“The Story of a Crime”
Another cartoon by Fyodor Khitruk that deserves attention is The Story of a Crime filmed in 1962, which received the international Golden Gate and Silver Lion awards. The animated film tells the story of good-natured Vasily Vasilyevich Mamin, who suddenly attacks two janitors, and if any cartoon can be called the Soviet “Joker”, then this one.
“Drinking Sparrow”
In the hero of this cartoon by Leonid Amalrik, shot in 1960, you will certainly recognize yourself if you have ever tried not to drink at a feast or told your relatives that you are on a diet. “The Drinkless Sparrow” is a true satirical cinematic masterpiece with an almost happy ending: at the end, the owl judge gives a just sentence to all the perpetrators of the sparrow brawl, who just wanted to lead a healthy life .
“The passions of espionage”
There are no hidden subtexts or deep philosophical meaning in this cartoon. Why is it for adults? Perhaps only they will be able to appreciate the many parodies and gags that the creators of the tape managed to insert into a story about the head of foreign intelligence Stampf, who gives the order to steal a magnificent dental chair from the USSR , and General Sidortsev, Colonel Sidorov, Captain Sidorin and Lieutenant Sidorkin.
Read also: 5 Soviet cartoons banned in the USSR: you have certainly seen one!
Source: The Voice Mag
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
