Change Your Image
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjQ4MTY5NzU2M15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNDc5NTgwMTI@._V1_SY100_SX100_.jpg)
missmisfit-1
Reviews
Morozko (1965)
This NOT A Bad Film!
First off, I'm an American & I only know this movie from MST3K.
But that said, I think the film on its own is not a bad movie at all. Sure, it seems to be pure weirdsville from a modern, Western perspective but that's part of it's charm. This was based on old Russian lore & folktales and retains the odd & sometimes morbid elements of Old World folk & fairy tales.
True, this was shown on MST3K, which usually pokes fun at bad or ridiculous movies. However this is not a bad movie, just one that comes off a bit wacky to those not familiar with the conventions of old fantasy folk tales & mythology. It was nonetheless a hilarious episode but the movie itself is very enjoyable on its own.
It's a whimsical, magical story with lots of bright colors & plenty of humor (much of it hilariously slapstick). To outsiders, it has elements of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty with a healthy dose of Yuletide (in the Pre-Christian sense).
There are some seriously silly moments, too...This movie's take on Baba Yaga (The folkloric Eastern European cannibalistic old witch...dubbed the 'Hunchback Fairy' in the 'Jack Frost' version, which is pretty dorky) is a scream! I swear, she looks & reminds me so much of Witchie-poo from "H.R. Pufnstuf"...she's just so wacky! Her army of anthropomorphic trees are just as silly (and 'Pufnstuf'-like)...as is her house with bird legs (from the actual Baba Yaga folklore).
Of course, there's the "classic fairytale romance" involving an absolutely angelic young gal and an exuberant young man whom must overcome his proud, conceited, braggart ways. There's Morozko, "Mr. Jack Frost", himself. He is the embodiment of Winter as well as a sort of Santa Claus type figure. You have the nasty stepmother & stepsister and the kindly, but diminutive and totally spineless & kowtowed father. There's Baba Yaga & a bunch of goofy, gnome-like bandits. Then, there's Father Mushroom...whose a class all his own.
I think folks are hard on this movie. It's unusual but it's not "Gigli" or "Plan 9 From Outer Space" material. It's a strange (to modern & western perspective), whimsical bit of Old Worldliness. If you dig Old World folk tale stuff with magic, whimsy, comical cannibal witches, evil step-family members, Old Man Winter, bandits, a fairytale romance & a funny little mushroom guy, this flick is for you! Just enjoy a bit of culture, turn off your left-brain, grab some popcorn, relax & just enjoy the show.
And CHEEZE-LOUISE...If an American like myself can enjoy & appreciate it on its own merits (and not just because MST3K riffed it to hilarious effect), so can you. There's more to planet Earth than a certain 236 year old, 50 state country. C'mon! THINK BIG!