This is the first animation that was imported to Ukraine from Russia AND fully voiced in Ukrainian. Before, we used to only get subtitled versions of Russian movies and TV-shows (though, one might wonder why are we importing anything at all, considering the war). So, despite being understandably cautious, I was expecting something at least half-decent. Russians aren't at all that bad at making animations and movies ― I've watched a lot of them and I've found some very worthy ones.
In "Savva", however, we can clearly see politics bleeding into the territory of art. The result of such process is a piece of not art, but barely concealed propaganda, a product of Russian brainwashing industry. The most prominent example of it is the animation's portrayal of villains ― hyenas, which were painted* in blue and yellow, Ukrainian national colors. Symbolism of this is beyond obvious, it's practically screaming 'Ukrainians are evil'. At this point I was surprised this was even allowed to reach theaters in my country.
Also, one of the voice-acting stars who voiced Ukrainian version of "Savva" was Vladimir Zelensky, an actor and a TV-series director known for his anti-Ukrainian attitude and offensive statements. His photo was even featured on this animation's posters. I hope you can imagine in which way this fact influenced my impressions of the title.
The parts of it that are not trying to plant a toxic idea in your subconscious aren't good either. A pile of random ideas crumpled together, the execution of which is pathetic. Some people might like background music, but to me it seemed like a wasted effort. The story is not interesting, in fact, it's barely even there.
All in all, I'd say "Savva" is just bad. It's poorly made, and it's harmful to your mental health, unless you count brainwashed as a natural state of mind (you WILL get brainwashed, eventually, if you subsequently watch this, or the likes of it). So, please, do yourself a favor and stay away from this atrocity. You'll thank me later.
* ― there's this speculation that they weren't originally supposed to be like this. In the first teaser (03.03.2011) hyenas were shown to be green and yellow, instead of blue and yellow. However, we have to judge the product by its final state.
Plot summary
An international animation project that is coming out in Russian and English languages. It is a fairytale about a grand life journey of a 10-year-old boy Savva devoted to help his Mom and fellow village people to break free from the vicious hyenas. Trying to escape from hyenas Savva finds himself in a magical world he had only heard stories of. That is where he meets the white wolf Angee, a hilarious tiny pink creature Puffy, a strange looking semi-baron FAFL and his passenger, as well as Nanty, Shaman's charming daughter. New friends help Savva through his journey to the Magician that lives on a mountain and, as legend has it, might help Savva free his village from the angry hyenas. However, each of them have their own reasons to see the magician that some of them keep only to themselves. On their way to the Magician the friends will face multiple dangers, pleasant and unpleasant surprises, discover terrifying secrets and even have a battle with a monkey army, led by the cruel and treacherous Mom JoZee - a three-headed monkey queen. "SAVVA-Heart of the Warrior" is a story about a big dream, true friendship and growing strong at heart to overcome difficulties together. It is an exciting and bright animated fairytale.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Movie Reviews
Awful production and offensive messages
Don't let your kids watch this animation.
This is one of the worst movies ever rendered. The plot is a series of sections ripped from other stories, with jingoistic characters that have no consistency or growth arc, the animation is pretty average, looking more like something from the 1990's then from 2015.
good graphic - friendship theme
Is a cartoon just to be. But many good movies start like this. Is good for kids under 7.