Russian cartoons are very special, especially if they were made in Soviet times. These animated films are the favourite ones for both young and old generations of Russian people. Here are some of the most outstanding masterpieces which represent the Soviet cartoon industry at its finest.
Hedgehog in the Fog (1975)
«Hedgehog in the Fog» is one of the most famous Soviet cartoons in the world. It has won more than 35 international awards since its release day.
The cartoon is based on a self-titled tale written by Sergey Kozlov. This is a story about a little hedgehog who wants to visit his friend Bear but gets lost in the sudden thin fog on his way.
Three from Prostokvashino (1978)
«Three from Prostokvashino» is a Soviet animated film based on the children’s book Uncle Fedya, His Dog, and His Cat by Eduard Uspensky.
The main character is a very independent boy Uncle Fedor who escapes from his parents and starts to live at the village Prostokvashino with his friends, cat Matroskin and dog Sharik.
The Bremen Town Musicians (1969)
«The Bremen Town Musicians» is a cult animated musical film which is based on the characters of a fairy tale «Town Musicians of Bremen» by Brothers Grimm. Almost everyone in Russia knows songs from this cartoon which have a very modern rock’n’roll sound.
The film focuses on Troubadour and his rock band consisting of a Donkey, a Dog, a Cat, and a Rooster. Together they travel and have fun until a young man falls in love with a princess. It is interesting to know, that all the characters except a Donkey and Princess were voiced by one artist. The cartoon has two sequels but only the original film has won the genuine love of Russians all around the country.
Gena the Crocodile (1969)
«Gena the Crocodile» is a doll animated film based on the books of Eduard Uspenskiy. The main character – lonely crocodile Gena decides to find some friends and meets a creature called Cheburashka.
Together they resist an old lady Shapoklyak who always tries to make mischiefs to others. The main characters have become a part of mass Russian culture and famous symbols of our country. You can meet various souvenirs, dolls, and postcards almost everywhere in Russia.
Winnie-the-Pooh (1969)
«Winnie-the-Pooh» is a drawn animated film which follows a chapter of the original book by A. A. Milne. Despite this book has several interpretations, Soviet Winnie-the-Pooh together with his friends has become iconic for Russians.
Almost everyone in Russia knows funny songs from this cartoon while quotations have become very widespread in everyday life.
Nu, pogodi! (1969)
«Nu, pogodi!» (or «Well, just you wait» in English) is a cartoon series which debuted in 1969 and became popular in the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries.
The series follows the comical adventures of a mischievous and artistic Wolf who tries to catch and eat Hare. The series features additional characters that usually help Hare or interfere with Wolf’s plans. The series’ most common line is “Nu, pogodi! repeated by Wolf when his plans fail.
