Get ready for today’s 1st…Blast from the Past!
From Don Bluth and Gary Goldman, the directors of beloved animation films such as “An American Tail” (1986) (which Bluth directed alone) and “Thumbelina” (1994), and others, comes this animated historical musical…
Anastasia: “What? Hey – why are you circling me? What were you, a vulture in another life?”
“Anastasia” released on this day November 21st 1997, making the film 20 years old as of today.
Loosely adapted from the legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, claiming she escaped the execution of her family, the film centers on the titular character (voiced by Golden Globe nominee Meg Ryan) as she is determined to learn about her past and find what’s left of her family with the help of two con men (voiced by Golden Globe nominee John Cusack and Golden Globe winner Kelsey Grammer) with ulterior motives to use her likeness of the Grand Duchess to the Dowager Empress (voiced by Oscar nominee Angela Lansbury), while a powerful and manic sorcerer (voiced by Primetime Emmy winner Christopher Lloyd) wants Anya dead.
Fun fact; the film earned 2 Oscar nominations for Best Original Musical or Comedy Score and Best Original Song – Journey to the Past.
Also, just as was suggested in the film, the real-life Anastasia Romanov loved playing practical jokes, which made her quite notorious among her family and the palace staff.
Some of the film’s highlights include the colorful animation, intriguing story (despite historical inaccuracies, according to my research), fun characters, entertaining musical numbers, and charming voice performances from the mentioned actors as well as the voices of Primetime Emmy winner Hank Azaria, Golden Globe winner Bernadette Peters, and Golden Globe nominee Kirsten Dunst.
If you are looking for a delightful 90s animated flick that the whole family can enjoy, then this is for you, or for anyone you know, who likes the aforementioned aspects.
Poster artwork and design: Unknown.