Watch The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is a 1976 Soviet fantasy film adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale of the same name, directed by Vladimir Bychkov. The movie is noted for its faithful rendition of the original story, with a mix of mysticism, romance, and the signature melancholy that pervades many of Andersen's works. This film stars Viktoriya Novikova as the protagonist mermaid, while Valentin Nikulin and Galina Artyomova play pivotal roles in the narrative. Filmed with enchanting underwater sequences and a classic theatrical feel, it has become a recognized endeavor to depict this beloved and tragic fairy tale on the silver screen.

The film begins in the magical realm under the sea, where the viewer is introduced to the extraordinary life of the merpeople. The underwater kingdom is portrayed with vividly colorful sets and fantastical creatures that draw the audience into a world unlike any other. The mer-kingdom is ruled by a king who has several daughters, with the youngest being the most curious and adventurous. Portrayed by Viktoriya Novikova, the Little Mermaid is characterized by her boundless fascination with the human world and her tender heart, which sets her apart from her underwater kin.

The celebration of the Little Mermaid's 15th birthday is significant as it marks the age at which mermaids are allowed to swim to the surface and observe the world above the waves. The protagonist's longing to understand the domain of humans is heightened by her witnessing a celebration aboard a ship, where she becomes enamored with a handsome prince, played by Valentin Nikulin. His charm and the festivities of the human world captivate her, marking the beginning of a profound and passionate longing that will drive the film's narrative.

After a violent storm results in the prince being thrown overboard, the Little Mermaid rescues him and brings him ashore. Her infatuation grows deeper, leading her to ponder the impossible—a life above water, with the prince. This is where the character of Galina Artyomova comes into play as one of the mermaids who is part of the protagonist's life and her journey toward her heart's desire.

Tormented by her yearning for the prince and the life she dreams of on land, the Little Mermaid seeks out the Sea Witch, a mysterious and formidable figure with the power to grant her the wish of becoming human. However, the transformation comes with a high price and conditions that alter the course of the mermaid's life irrevocably.

In her human form, the Little Mermaid is imbued with grace and beauty, but also experiences pain with every step she takes. She is mute, having sacrificed her lovely voice for legs. Despite the great personal cost, the Little Mermaid's love remains unshaken, and she hopes to win the prince's heart without her voice, through her dance and presence. This aspect is portrayed beautifully in the film, where Novikova expresses the mermaid's emotions and thoughts without words, relying solely on her performance.

The prince becomes fond of the silent girl, marveled by her elegant dancing and mysterious air. Yet, his heart continues to long for the girl who saved him from the sea—which he believes to be someone else. The mermaid's struggle becomes not only one of love but also of her very existence, as her fate is tied to that of the prince. She is caught in a dilemma, holding the profound and pure love she has for the prince against the sacrifice she has made in the pursuit of her own happiness.

The cinematography and art direction of The Little Mermaid work in tandem to create a surreal and captivating experience for viewers. The underwater sequences use early special effects to bring to life the mystical world beneath the waves. The music complements the visual storytelling, adding layers of depth to the mermaid's emotional journey.

The film is reflective and often contemplative as it explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the painful beauty of yearning for something beyond one's reach. The narrative unfolds in such a way that the audience cannot help but empathize with the Little Mermaid's plight while marveling at the haunting beauty of her underwater realm. The mythic storytelling and evocative performances culminate in a cinematic portrayal that is rich with symbolism, harkening back to the original fairy tale's poignant appeal.

As much as The Little Mermaid appeals to the fantasy lover, it also presents a very human story about the lengths one might go for love and the existential questions that arise from pursuing one's deepest desires against all odds. Though catered to family audiences, the film's meditative pace and somber undertones resonate with all ages, making it a timeless and worthy adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's classic story.

The Little Mermaid is a 1976 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.