The Flower with Seven Colours

Plot

A young girl named Zhenya wanders through the city carrying a basket of bagels, but her treats are devoured by a stray dog while she's distracted by the urban sights. Heartbroken and crying, she's comforted by her grandmother who gives her a magical flower with seven colored petals, each capable of granting one wish. Zhenya makes her first wish to repair her broken toys, then uses subsequent wishes to travel to the North Pole, acquire countless toys, and return home. After frivolously spending several wishes, she learns a valuable lesson about selflessness when she uses her final wish to help a disabled boy walk again, discovering that helping others brings the greatest happiness.

Historical Background

This film was created in the immediate post-World War II period when the Soviet Union was rebuilding and there was a renewed emphasis on children's education and moral development. The late 1940s saw a flourishing of Soviet animation as the industry recovered from wartime disruptions. The film reflects the Soviet educational philosophy of combining entertainment with moral instruction, teaching children about generosity, responsibility, and the dangers of selfishness. The urban setting and contemporary elements marked a departure from traditional folk tales, aligning with Soviet cultural policies that emphasized modernity and progress. The film's production coincided with the early Cold War period, when Soviet cultural products were increasingly used to showcase the superiority of Soviet values and education systems.

Making Of

The production of 'The Flower with Seven Colours' took place during the early post-war period at Soyuzmultfilm, the Soviet Union's premier animation studio. Director Mikhail Tsekhanovskiy worked closely with a team of animators who had survived the war and were eager to create uplifting content for children. The animation team developed new techniques for creating the magical effects, particularly the glowing aura around the flower petals when wishes were granted. Voice actress Yelena Ponsova provided the narration and character voices, bringing emotional depth to Zhenya's journey. The film's creation coincided with a period of cultural relaxation in the Soviet Union, allowing for more expressive and less ideologically rigid children's entertainment. The production team consulted with child psychologists to ensure the film's moral lessons would be effectively communicated to young audiences.

Visual Style

The film's visual style combines traditional cel animation with innovative techniques for depicting magical elements. The cinematography emphasizes the contrast between the mundane urban setting and the extraordinary magical events. The seven colored petals are rendered with special attention to their unique luminous qualities, each having its own distinct visual signature when activated. The North Pole sequence showcases impressive use of color and light to create an arctic atmosphere, while the urban scenes feature detailed backgrounds that capture the post-war Soviet cityscape. The animation uses dynamic camera movements and close-ups to enhance emotional moments, particularly during Zhenya's transformation from selfish to selfless. The film's color palette evolves from earthy urban tones to vibrant magical hues, visually representing the story's thematic journey.

Innovations

The film pioneered several technical innovations in Soviet animation, particularly in the depiction of magical effects and transformations. The animators developed new techniques for creating the glowing aura around the flower petals, using multiple exposure photography and hand-painted effects. The North Pole sequence featured innovative methods for animating snow and ice, creating a convincing arctic environment. The film also experimented with rotoscoping for realistic character movements, particularly in the scenes involving the dog and the disabled boy. The color separation techniques used for the seven petals were particularly advanced for their time, allowing each color to have its own distinct visual properties. The film's success in these technical areas influenced subsequent Soviet animated productions and helped establish new standards for visual effects in animation.

Music

The musical score was composed by Vladimir Yurovsky, who created a memorable theme that became as iconic as the visual elements. The soundtrack incorporates Russian folk melodies with Western classical influences, reflecting the cultural synthesis of the post-war period. Each wish sequence features its own musical motif, with the seven colors of the flower represented by different instrumental arrangements. The film includes several songs that became popular among Soviet children, particularly the wish-granting incantation that Zhenya recites. The sound design emphasizes the magical elements through subtle use of chimes and ethereal sound effects. The narration by Yelena Ponsova provides a warm, storytelling quality that enhances the film's fairy tale atmosphere.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where Zhenya walks through the bustling Soviet city with her basket of bagels, showcasing detailed urban animation of the era
• The moment the magical flower first appears, with each petal glowing in its distinct color
• Zhenya's wish to travel to the North Pole, featuring spectacular arctic animation and polar bears
• The emotional climax where Zhenya uses her final wish to help the disabled boy walk, showing the transformation of her character
• The final scene where Zhenya realizes that helping others brought her more happiness than all her previous wishes combined

What Critics Said

Contemporary Soviet critics praised the film for its faithful adaptation of Kataev's beloved story and its beautiful animation technique. Critics particularly noted the innovative use of color to distinguish the seven magical petals and the emotional depth of the character animation. The film was celebrated for successfully translating the literary work to the screen while maintaining its moral core. In later years, film historians have recognized it as a classic example of Soviet animation's golden age, highlighting its technical achievements and enduring emotional impact. Western critics who discovered the film during the Cold War thaw period were impressed by its artistic sophistication and universal appeal, noting how it transcended cultural and political barriers.

What Audiences Thought

The film was enormously popular with Soviet children and parents alike, becoming a staple of cinema screenings for young audiences. Children were particularly captivated by the magical elements and the visual spectacle of the wish-granting sequences. Parents appreciated the film's clear moral message about the importance of helping others. The film's popularity endured for decades, with multiple theatrical re-releases and regular television broadcasts during children's programming slots. Many Soviet adults who grew up with the film reported that it left a lasting impression on their understanding of empathy and generosity. The film's emotional climax, where Zhenya helps the disabled boy, was particularly moving for audiences and became one of the most remembered moments in Soviet animation history.

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