Tale of Tales (2001)

Tale of Tales (1979) is a cinematic tapestry of Russian history and cultural memory, meticulously woven together through a series of vignettes that alternate between moving paintings and personal recollections. Our guide through this rich panorama is a melancholic grey wolf, an emblem of a lullaby, observing the world with a poignant understanding that resonates deeply with the viewer. His gaze takes us through different eras, shedding light on a diverse array of characters living their lives against the backdrop of a changing Russia. We encounter a poet, plagued by the elusive muse, wrestling with his words over a blank sheet of paper. A diligent washerwoman is seen scrubbing clothes in a trough, her hands a testament to her toil. A fisherman, with his day's catch, hurries home, while a boy generously shares his apple with a murder of ravens, embodying the spirit of innocent camaraderie. Parallel to this world of ordinary wonders, where ripe apples defy nature by falling from trees in winter, the film also reveals the stark reality of modernity. The ceaseless stream of cars on noisy highways serves as a stark contrast to the nostalgic tranquility of the past. Tale of Tales thus presents a visual and emotional journey through the 20th century Russia, offering a deeply personal insight into its culture and history. The film's unique blend of real and surreal elements, seen through the eyes of the Little Grey Wolf, creates a compelling narrative that is both reflective and immersive.

Tale of Tales is an animation movie featuring Aleksandr Kalyagin and directed by Yuri Norstein.

Tale of Tales is currently streaming on Klassiki.