The traditions of animation in Ukraine go back more than one or even two decades. Our (and not only) directors began shooting domestic films long before the country was solemnly declared independent. The first Ukrainian cartoon was created at the Odessa Film Studio in 1927, and therefore next year domestic animation will celebrate its 90th anniversary! The pioneers in the world of animation were V. Levandovsky, who directed the cartoon "The Tale of the Straw Bull", and V. Devyatnin, who created the one-act play "Ukrainization", which contributed to the study of the Ukrainian language. Unfortunately, these works have not reached our time.
For many years, children and adults from all over Ukraine have been singing along to the cheerful Kapitoshka, following the adventures of Petryk Pyatochkin, and laughing at the funny situations that the characters of "Treasure Island" get into.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, dark hours began in the life of Ukrainian animators. Cartoons were by no means the top priority for a country that was trying to learn to stand on its own two feet, so most Ukrainian animation masters were forced to go abroad. And yet, there are cartoons in the track record of Ukrainians that can truly be considered masterpieces. It was they who prompted me to create a rating of domestic animation masterpieces.
5. "Doctor Aibolit"
The fifth place in the rating is occupied by a cartoon from childhood. You probably didn't even guess that this is a Ukrainian cartoon. It's about the good doctor Aibolit. This is a short film, the first part of which was created in 1984 by Ukrainian animator David Cherkasky. The continuation of "Doctor Aibolit" was released in 1985. The poem of the same name by Korney Chukovsky is probably one of the first works that their mothers read to their children. Especially if the child is sick with something and does not want to take medicine or is generally afraid of doctors. This is a cartoon in which the good and brave doctor Aibolit treats sick animals, sometimes risking his life. He rushes to help across half the planet just so that the children can be cured of their illnesses once and for all.
4. "Kapitoshka"
The fourth place in our TOP-5 Ukrainian cartoons went to a cartoon that everyone sings along to: from the smallest children in the family to grandparents. This is “Kapitoshka” – an animated film that was created thanks to screenwriter Natalya Guzeeva. Kapitoshka himself is a kind, friendly character. He is a pure drop of summer rain. The hero meets a little Wolf, who wanted to be good, despite the teachings of his parents. Kapitoshka and Wolf begin to become friends and their adventures begin, in which they must understand who Wolf really is. The first series of the cartoon was released in 1980. This work was so loved by the audience that it was decided to make a sequel. “Come back, Kapitoshka!” – Wolf exclaimed at the end of the first part. This phrase became the name for the second series, which was released in 1989.
3. "How Petryk Pyatochkin counted elephants"
I would like to give an honorable third place to a cartoon that teaches children to sleep during the day and not to bother their parents. These are the adventures of the little mischievous Petrik Pyatochkin. The cartoon "How Petrik Pyatochkin Counted Elephants" was released in 1984. Ukraine is grateful to Oleksandr Viken for its creation. The cartoon, shot by the Kyivnaukfilm studio, immediately became incredibly popular. It is deservedly called the most beloved among all boys and girls whose childhood took place in the 90s. The story of this cartoon is known to everyone: a little red-haired energizer in his dream finds himself in Africa, where he becomes a teacher for a dozen little elephants. And what does his catchy song cost us? For all children of the end of the last century, it is a symbol of childhood, which warms and makes us remember the carefree past again and again. A very interesting fact is that absolutely all the roles in this animated work were voiced by one woman – Natalia Rozhkova.
2. "Treasure Island"
The silver medal in our rating went to another masterpiece by David Cherkassky. This is a story about the adventures of the cheerful Doctor Livesey, Squire Trelawney, young Jim and other well-known heroes in search of Captain Flint's jewels - "Treasure Island". Another work of professionals from the Kyivnaukfilm studio, which continues to win the hearts of viewers. This animated adventure story was created based on the novel of the same name by R. L. Stevenson. The cartoon was released on Soviet television screens in 1986. Watching the success of the picture, the director did not hesitate. Already in 1988, children and adults were happy with the continuation of "Treasure Island". Its peculiarity is that the main storyline is often interrupted by inserts of cinematic music videos. This makes "Treasure Island" even more interesting for viewers.
1. "Once upon a time there was a dog"
I think no one doubted that this particular animated film would take first place. After all, according to statistics, 96% of Ukrainians end the New Year holidays at least once a year with the phrase “I’ll sing it now.” Yes, we are talking about the masterpiece of Ukrainian animation “Once Upon a Time,” created by Russian (at that time such a division was rather conditional, one country after all) director Eduard Nazarov. 1982 was the year of the birth of this classic work of Ukrainian animation. Filmed in a non-trivial style with a purely Ukrainian spirit and flavor, “Once Upon a Time,” received many awards and worldwide recognition.
Author: Arina Hashimova
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