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An animated film that scared Disney? “Anastasia” fascinated in 1997 with its dark charm and an unforgettable story.
In 1997, “Anastasia” captured the hearts of 90s children, without any Disney label. The animated film by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman enchanted with a mixture of historical elements, magic and a strong heroine. But what makes this film so special even today? A trip back to animated Russia shows why “Anastasia” is one of the unforgettable classics.
“Anastasia” tells the story of the Russian tsar’s daughter, who loses her family after the revolution and grows up as the orphan girl Anya. Ten years later she sets off in search of her past - accompanied by crook Dimitri and dog Pooka. But the evil magician Rasputin has other plans. With worldwide box office receipts of almost 140 million US dollars, the film proved that animation studios like 20th Century Fox can also compete with Disney. Here you will find another 21 children's series that offer more than nostalgia.
Don Bluth, a former Disney employee, directed and brought his own vision. He had already made a name for himself with hits like “Feivel, the Mouse Wanderer” and “In a Land Before Our Time”. “Anastasia” impressed with elaborate animation, dark elements and a soundtrack that was even nominated for two Oscars in 1998. The song “Once upon a time in December” in particular remains unforgettable.
The film mixes historical facts with fantasy: the October Revolution and the murder of the Tsar's family form the background, while Rasputin's magic and Anya as a lost princess drift into the fairytale. This combination, paired with sidekicks like the bat Bartok, created a unique atmosphere that captivated children and adults alike.
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The real story behind “Anastasia” is less romantic. Anastasia Romanova was executed with her family in 1918, but rumors about her survival persisted for decades. Impostors like Anna Anderson claimed to be the Tsar's daughter, further fueling the legend. Don Bluth's film gives this tragic story a fairytale ending and that's exactly what makes it so special.
Interestingly, Anastasia officially became part of the Disney family in 2019 when the studio acquired 20th Century Fox. This means that Anastasia is now technically one of the Disney princesses - even if she will probably never be in the same row as Elsa or Belle. This dinosaur film also influenced children of the 90s, but was also not part of Disney.
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