This is not Disney! However, in the 90s, this wonderful animated film made many children dream

Promised to each other since birth, Prince Arthur and Princess Juliet spent their childhood bickering, but fell head over heels in love as they grew up. Despite their strong and mutual feelings, Juliet delays the wedding, hoping to obtain greater proof of love from her future husband, who only praised her incredible beauty.

Before the wedding is postponed, the princess is kidnapped by the wizard Alberic, in the form of a giant monster. Thirsty for power and revenge, Juliet’s captor transforms her into a swan, allowing her to regain her human form only under the moonlight. In order for the spell to be broken, the prince will have to swear his undying love in front of the whole world.

In the mid-90s, with Disney’s Castle Pavilion floating proudly in the animation field, other studios had a hard time trying to compete. Until other future behemoths like Pixar or Dreamworks emerge, the rare challengers who dare to venture into the land of the famous mouse often go it alone and rarely find the success they deserve.

This is the case of The Swan and the Princess, produced by Columbia and New Line Cinema, which was released in 1995 despite its very good reviews and undeniable qualities. This feature film – memorable for those who discovered it at the time – is doubly worthy. First, because, as we said, he allowed himself to be drawn into the Disney duel. Then because he did it using the big gulf company’s own weapons…

A free adaptation of the famous fairy tale (Swan Lake, in this case, which the enchanted studios have never approached before), a sparkling soundtrack with unforgettable songs, a beautiful love story, funny supporting characters and an ex-Disney studio to lead it all. It’s really Richard Ritchie, best known for his work on Rox and Rouky or Taram and the Magic Cauldron that’s running the project.

Unfortunately for The swan and the princessDespite the flawlessly applied magic formula, success will not compete against Steam (especially the theatrical release of The Lion King). An injustice that, thankfully, can be rectified today, as you can (re)discover this great animated film on Netflix.

What will you like…

• The film’s songs are very well written and gifted with tunes almost as effective as Disney’s of the time.

• The strength and simplicity of the plot

• Extremely attractive supporting characters, and especially Juliet’s companions in misfortune: Aldo the frog, Rapido the cat, and Anatole the puffer

• The film’s excellent French voice: Pel-Mel, we meet Valérie Carsent (Juliette), Guillaume LeBon (Arthur), Donald Renneaux (Young Arthur), Patrick Guillemin (Rapido), Eric Metayer (Aldo), Michel Prudhomme (Melchior). ), and the great Roger Karel (Anatole)!

What could be bothering them…

• The film’s villain is also very effective, especially when he transforms into a terrifying monster

• A witch who serves at Alberic’s side, less cruel than him, but also annoying at times

(re)discover the trailer for the film…