#nutcracker 1973

Nutcracker 1973

Mouse Queen

Drew some nutcracker designs I liked from movies I watched recently:

I love that it’s like watching a ballet–there’s no dialogue, but you understand what is going on in the story, which is a relief if everyone spoke in Russian and there was no translation available. (I can’t count how many times I’ve come across plays or animations that weren’t in English and had no available translation). The visuals are also very lovely, especially when they go with the music from the ballet. (Though there’s one moment where I think they thought using the music from ‘Swan Lake’ was a good idea… when it’s music from the wrong ballet).

Of course, there’s some changes to this version that make it different from both the original story and the ballet to the point that it’s kind of it’s own thing at the same time.I also find it interesting that Clara (Marie?) appears to be a servant girl in this version of the story and that there is no Drosselmeyer. She’s almost like Cinderella in this version, but not quite at the same time.

Though I kind of find one thing… odd. Apparently Hans/The prince was an infant/toddler when he was cursed… and then all of a sudden he’s about the same age as Clara when the curse lifts. I have to admit that the idea of growing up while under a curse would have sucked, but that’s a rather odd version of it. Other than that I like how unique his nutcracker design is–it’s unusual, a bit unsettling, but also kind of cute.

I’d say it’s worth looking at this version if you like animation or like The Nutcracker. It may not be the most accurate adaption to the original story, but it’s one of the better ones for sure.